Iron(III)-porphyrin Complex FeTSPP: A Versatile Water-soluble Catalyst for Oxidations in Organic Syntheses, Biorenewables Degradation and Environmental Applications

The metal complex FeTSPP (5,10,15,20‐tetrakis‐(4‐sulfonato‐phenyl)‐porphyrin‐iron(III) chloride; also denoted as FeTPPS), which consists of an iron(III) center ion (an environmentally advantageous metal) and a highly water‐soluble heme ligand, represents an exciting and already broadly applied catalyst in the area of “green” oxidation reactions in aqueous media. This commercially available iron catalyst shows a high oxidation potential for many substrates. Further advantages are its high stability and ability not to aggregate in aqueous solution. This Minireview gives an overview of the structural properties of FeTSPP in aqueous solution and selected applications as an oxidation catalyst for organic syntheses, biorenewable degradations, and environmental applications. Not just any old iron: This Minireview gives an overview of the structural properties of FeTSPP, which consists of an iron(III) center (as an environmentally advantageous metal) and a highly water‐soluble heme ligand, in aqueous solution and selected applications thereof as an oxidation catalyst for organic syntheses, biorenewable degradations, and environmental applications.