Controlling Iron-Catalyzed Oxidation Reactions: From Non-Selective Radical to Selective Non-Radical Reactions

ΔpH important for chemoselectivity: The relationship between absolute proton concentration (pH value), the change in the pH value (ΔpH) and catalytic performance in important iron‐catalyzed selective oxidation reactions is demonstrated (see figure). It is clearly shown that an increased proton concentration led to higher catalyst activity and a small ΔpH during the reaction is responsible for improved selectivity.