The Fundamental Role of Exchange‐Enhanced Reactivity in CH Activation by <i>S</i>=2 Oxo Iron(IV) Complexes

Abstract

High five: H-abstraction reactivity by oxo iron(IV) complexes with a quintet ground state is greatly enhanced by exchange stabilization arising from the increased number of d–d exchange interactions near the transition state (see picture). It is postulated that nonheme enzymes evolved to make use of this fundamental mechanism in activation of strong CH bonds. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.