oxoiron

Oxoiron refers to chemical compounds containing an iron atom bonded to an oxygen atom, where the oxygen is considered to be a ligand. This is a broad category and can encompass various species depending on the oxidation state of the iron and the overall structure of the complex.

These oxoiron species are important in inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. In biological systems, oxoiron centers are found in several metalloproteins. For example, the active sites of enzymes like cytochrome P450 and methane monooxygenase contain oxoiron units that are crucial for catalyzing oxidation reactions. These biological oxoiron species are often involved in oxygen activation and transfer.

In synthetic chemistry, oxoiron complexes are studied for their catalytic properties and their relevance to understanding biological processes. Researchers synthesize and characterize these compounds to explore their reactivity, electronic structures, and potential applications in areas such as oxidation catalysis and materials science. The nature of the oxoiron bond can vary, influencing the reactivity of the iron center. It can range from a formal Fe=O double bond to more covalent interactions, depending on the electronic environment. The study of oxoiron chemistry continues to be an active area of research.