exo/endo-Selectivity in the Reaction of ‘Bare’ FeO+ with Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (Norbornane)

‘Bare’ FeO⁺ reacts in the gas phase with norbornane with collision efficiency, and the most prominent cationic products correspond to [FeC₅H₆]⁺ (32%), [FeC₇H₈]⁺ (19%), [FeC₃H₆O]⁺ (19%) and [FeC₆H₆]⁺ (14%), which are structurally characterized by ligand exchange as well as collision-induced dissociation experiments. Circumstantial evidence is provided which indicates that the complexes [FeC₅H₆]⁺, [FeC₇H₈]⁺, and [FeC₆H₆]⁺ originate from an Fe(norbornene)⁺ intermediate which itself is formed by elimination of H₂O from the [FeO(norbornane)]⁺ encounter complex. Although the reactions are preceded and/or accompanied by partial H/D exchange, the isotope distribution in the productions clearly points to a preferential endo-attack of bare FeO⁺, with an endo/exo-ratio of ca. 10.3 and kinetic isotope effects k_H/k_D for the endo-abstraction of 2.4 and of 7.7 for approaching an exo-C? H bond. The preferred endo-approach of bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane by ‘bare’ FeO⁺ is in distinct contrast to the P-450-mediated or the iron(III)porphyrin-catalyzed hydroxylation of this substrate which favor reactions at the exo-face.