Rational Design of First-Row Transition Metal Complexes as the Catalysts for Oxidation of Arenes: A Homogeneous Approach

Researchers have always been intrigued by one-step selective hydroxylation of aromatic compounds since achieving adequate selectivity toward the target product and avoiding overoxidation are challenging. However, the naturally available oxygenase enzymes efficiently and selectively perform such transformations under normal atmospheric conditions. Inspired by naturally occurring oxygenase enzymes, researchers have undertaken numerous attempts to catalyze the oxidation of arenes using homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. In this regard, the first-row transition metal complexes are considered as candidates due to their abundance and redox characteristics. Therefore, this review focuses on catalyst design strategies to improve the efficiency and selectivity of arene oxidation and illustrates the distinctive homogeneous approaches reported in this area by employing first-row transition metal complexes.