Non-heme iron catalysts for the benzylic oxidation: a parallel ligand screening approach

Ethylbenzene and 4-ethylanisole were used as model substrates for benzylic oxidation with H2O2 or O2 using a range of non-heme iron catalysts following a parallel ligand screening approach. Effective oxidation was found for Fe complexes based on tetra- and pentadentate nitrogen ligands affording the corresponding benzylic alcohol and ketone.