The catalytic reduction of atmospheric N2 to NH3 under mild conditions is one of the challenges of organometallic chemistry. An iron-based complex that binds and activates N2 has now been developed. Its electrochemistry and coordination properties shed light on potential mechanisms by which N2-to-NH3 reduction might be achieved.
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Field, L. An iron step towards N2 fixation. Nature Chem 2, 520–521 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.690
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.690