Conversion of {Fe(NO)2}10 dinitrosyl iron to nitrato iron(III) species by molecular oxygen.

A new {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dinitrosyl iron complex possessing a 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline ligand has been prepared. This complex exhibits dioxygenase activity, converting NO to nitrate (NO(3)(-)) anions. During the oxygenation reaction, formation of reactive nitrating species is implicated, as shown in the effective o-nitration with a phenolic substrate.