Iron compounds and the mechanisms of the homogeneous catalysis of the activation of O₂and H₂O₂and of the oxidation of organic substrates

Experimental data on the homogeneous catalysis by iron compounds of the activation of O2 and H2O2 and of their oxidation of organic substances, and the current ideas on this subject are described. Data concerning the formation of various intermediate species and of their role in these processes are analysed. A series of catalytic systems simulating the functional activity of certain enzymes are considered at a model level. The bibliography includes 338 references.