From the Haber process to discrete enzymatic reactions iron is an important element in catalytic chemistry. Up until recently, however, iron has been significantly under-utilised as a homogeneous catalyst in organic synthesis compared to other transition metals. Recently homogeneous iron-based catalysts have undergone much development with some notable breakthroughs. Muftah Darwish and Martin Wills have compiled a thorough review of these in their HOT Perspective “Asymmetric catalysis using iron complexes – ‘Ruthenium Lite’?”. If you’re looking to reduce ketones or imines, perform transfer hydrogenation or asymmetric hydrosilylation this review will bring you up to date on the latest and greatest capabilities of these advanced iron complexes.
Read the full article for free in Catalysis Science & Technology.
Asymmetric catalysis using iron complexes – ‘Ruthenium Lite’?
Muftah Darwish and Martin Wills
Catal. Sci. Technol., 2012, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C1CY00390A, Perspective
