Oxidation of chloride and subsequent chlorination of organic compounds by oxoiron(IV) porphyrin π-cation radicals.

Ironing it out: oxoiron(IV) porphyrin π-cation radical complexes serve as models for the oxidation of Cl(-) into an active chlorinating reagent that chlorinates various organic compounds. Evidence suggests that Cl(-) is oxidized to Cl(2) via Cl·. The mechanism involving either direct electron transfer or iron(III) hypochlorite formation, and then homolysis of the Cl-O bond is discussed.