A methane monooxygenase (MMO)-like dinuclear metal (iron/manganese) complex which consists of a [(μ -phenoxo)bis(μ-carboxylato)dimetal] core and a chiral phenolic ligand bearing two chelating arms of L- histidine has been synthesized and characterized. Its catalytic properties in olefin epoxidations and in alkane hydroxylations were investigated with iodosylbenzene as a therminal oxidant. It has been found that the Fe~2 complex nicely reproduces some qualititive characteristics of electronic spectrum of MMO. It is able to catalyze the epoxidation of styrene giving styrene oxide in a 840% yield (based on the catalyst) and a 45.4% e.e. for the R-(+)-enantiomer. Similarly, using the Mn~2 analogue complex, styrene gave corresponding epoxide in a 7080% yield and a 51.6% e.e. for the R- enantiomer and cyclohexene gave epoxycyclohexane (3880%) as a major product together with cyclohexenol (603%) and cyclohexenone (189%). In addition, the Mn~2 complex catalyzed the hydroxylation of cyclohexane giving cyclohexanol (1053%) and cyclohexanone (639%). EPR evidence suggested the presence of a high valent metal-oxo intermediate in the reactions.

Key words: IRON COMPLEX, MANGANESE COMPLEX, CATALYTIC BEHAVIOUR, BENZENE P, ALKENE, EPOXIDATION REACTION