Novel biomimetic iron-catalysts for environmentally benign epoxidations of olefins

A new selective and easily manageable epoxidation method is presented using an inexpensive and efficient FeCl3·6H2O and imidazole derivatives as catalysts. Aqueous hydrogen peroxide as an environmentally benign oxidant is utilized. This novel Fe/imidazole system gives moderate to excellent yields toward aromatic mono-, di-, and tri-substituted olefins.