Iron porphyrins for mediating atom efficient C–C bond formations

The importance of establishing new C–C bonds into organic skeletons has prompted extensive research in the development of efficient catalytic processes for introducing carbon units into various pre-existing bonds (C[dbnd]C, C–H, and X–H, X = O, N, Si). Among the catalytically active metal complexes, iron porphyrins have emerged as efficient catalysts that display a very good eco-friendliness due to the benign behavior of both the metal and ligand. This chapter provides an overview of the catalytic activity of synthetic iron porphyrins in C–C bond formations, focusing a particular attention on carbene transfer reactions to C[dbnd]C and C–H bonds. New experimental approaches to enhance the eco-compatibility of synthetic protocols are discussed as well as the role of the porphyrin complexes in modulating catalytic performances.