Transesterification catalyzed by iron(III) β-diketonate species

A practical and clean protocol for transesterification catalyzed by a 5 mol % cheap, non-toxic and moisture stable Fe(acac)3 or other iron(III) β-diketonate species in solvent, such as heptane under azeotropic condition is developed. A remarkable rate enhancement was observed upon the addition of 5 mol % of an inorganic base, such as Na2CO3, which suggests that faster formation of a dimeric μ-alkoxy-bridged iron(III) species under alkaline conditions facilitates catalytic turnover. This system provides smooth transesterification over a wide range of structurally diverse esters and alcohols without disturbing functional groups. In addition, the use of iron β-diketonate complexes as catalysts is more environmentally friendly, safer, and economical than other transition-metal catalysts. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the active catalyst is likely a dimeric μ-alkoxy-bridged iron(III) species, as determined by X-ray crystallography of [Fe(dbm)2(O–n-Bu)]2 derived from the alcoholysis of Fe(dbm)3 under alkaline conditions.