Iron-based single-atom catalysts for selective ammoxidation of C( sp 3 )–H bonds and oxidative C–C cleavage reactions (opens in new tab)

Ammoxidation of methylarenes using ammonia and air is the main method for the synthesis of aromatic nitriles in the chemical industry. Despite significant efforts in industry and academia, no general and selective catalyst based on less toxic and earth-abundant metals has been developed for this reaction. Here we report a single-atom iron-based material (Fe@BNC-800-L1) with Fe–N5–Bx configuration as an efficient sp3-hybridized C–H- and C–C bond oxidation catalyst. Due to the presence of Fe3+,...