Exploring a new dinuclear Fe(iii) complex for the fixation of atmospheric CO 2 and optical recognition of nano-molar levels of Zn 2+ ions.

A dinuclear Fe(iii) complex (F1) of an imine derivative (L1) derived from 3-ethoxy-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde and hydrazine, structurally characterised via single crystal X-ray studies, is employed for the catalytic conversion of epoxides to cyclic carbonates utilizing carbon dioxide. In addition, F1 is employed for the selective optical recognition of nano-molar levels of Zn 2+ (42.23 nM) via a metal displacement approach. The Job plot reveals interactions between F1 and Zn 2+ at a 1 : 3 molar ratio with an association constant of 7.71 × 10 4 M -1 . Studies on the catecholase-like activity of F1 reveal a k cat value of 4.42 × 10 3 h -1 .