Synthesis and characterization of two binuclear iron(III) complexes of aminoethanol derivatives of aminophenol as models for non-heme iron enzymes active sites

Two aminoethanol derivatives of aminophenol ligands were synthesized and characterized by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies. The binuclear iron(III) complexes of these ligands have been prepared and characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques, cyclic voltammetry, single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility studies. X-ray analysis revealed binuclear complexes, Fe₂(L₂), in which Fe(III) centers are surrounded by two phenolate and hydroxyl oxygen atoms, and amine nitrogens of the ligands. The metal active sites of both complexes are held together by the two above mentioned hydroxyl bridges. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility indicates antiferromagnetic coupling between the iron centers of both complexes. This exchange coupling is stronger for Fe₂(L^ae)₂, such that it shows a room temperature strong coupling between the two iron centers. The investigated complexes undergo irreversible electrochemical oxidation and reduction.