Enzyme-catalyzed electrophilic aromatic substitution

The high-valent iron-oxo sites of nonheme iron enzymes catalyze a variety of reactions (halogenation and hydroxylation of alkanes, desaturation and cyclization, electrophilic aromatic substitution, and cis-dihydroxylation of olefins) [lb]. Most of these (and other) reactions have also been achieved and studied with model systems [Ic, 2a-c]. With the bispidine complexes, we have primarily concentrated on olefin epoxidation and dihydroxylation, alkane hydroxylation and halogenation, and sulfoxidation and demethylation processes. The focus in these studies so far has been on a thorough analysis of the reaction mechanisms rather than the substrate scope and catalyst optimization. 

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