The
utilization of metalloporphyrins as bioinspired oxidation
catalysts is an evolving topic of research. By understanding the cytochrome
P-450 mechanism of action, chemists have been able to successfully
mimic several types of oxidation reactions using metalloporphyrins
as catalysts. At first, homogeneous systems presented the most amenable
strategy for oxidizing a vast array of substrates; however, current
environmental concerns have directed research in this field to the
design, synthesis, and application of heterogeneous catalysts, as
well as avoiding the use of highly pollutant co-oxidants and/or co-catalysts.
Herein, we review the past decade (from 2008) concerning the use of
solely molecular oxygen as an environmentally benign oxidant source,
in oxidation reactions catalyzed by bioinspired metalloporphyrin
analogues. We did not intend to create a comprehensive review; instead
we highlight the most important and illustrative examples for this
period. We emphasize the application of such catalysts on the oxidation
reactions of many relevant substrates using homogeneous and heterogeneous
metalloporphyrin-based catalysts, mostly using inorganic supports
for more accessible re-utilization protocols.