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Iron(tetraphenylporphyrinato) chloride

Iron(tetraporphyrinato) chloride is the coordination complex with the formula Fe(TPP)Cl where TPP is the dianion [C<sub>44</sub>H<sub>28</sub>N<sub>4</sub>]<sup>2-</sup>. The compound forms blue microcrystals that dissolve in chlorinated solvent to give brown solutions. In terms of structure, the complex is five-coordinate with idealized C<sub>4v</sub> point group symmetry. It is one of more common transition metal porphyrin complexes.

Synthesis and reactions

Fe(TPP)Cl is prepared by the reaction of tetraphenylporphyrin (H<sub>2</sub>TPP) and ferrous chloride in the presence of air:

H<sub>2</sub>TPP + FeCl<sub>2</sub> + 1/4 O<sub>2</sub> → Fe(TPP)Cl + HCl + 1/2 H<sub>2</sub>O

The chloride can be replaced with other halides and pseudohalides. Base gives the "mu-oxo dimer":

2 Fe(TPP)Cl + 2 NaOH → [Fe(TPP)]<sub>2</sub>O + 2 NaCl + H<sub>2</sub>O

Most relevant to catalysis, the complex is easily reduced to give ferrous derivatives (L = pyridine, imidazole):

Fe(TPP)Cl + e- + 2 L → Fe(TPP)L<sub>2</sub> + Cl<sup>−</sup>

The complex is widely studied as a catalyst.

References