Density functional calculations demonstrate that the Fe^IV=O²⁺ _aq complexes form different analogous complexes according to the pH of the system.

Abstract

Fe^IV=O_aq is a key intermediate in many advanced oxidation processes and probably in biological systems. It is usually referred to as Fe^IV=O²⁺. The pKa's of Fe^IV=O_aq as derived by DFT are: pKa1=2.37 M06 L/6-311++G(d,p) (SDD for Fe) and pKa2=7.79 M06 L/6-311++G(d,p) (SDD for Fe). This means that in neutral solutions, Fe^IV=O_aq is a mixture of (H₂O)₄(OH)Fe^IV=O⁺ and (H₂O)₂(OH)₂Fe^IV=O. The oxidation potential of Fe^IV=O_aq in an acidic solution, E⁰{(H₂O)₅Fe^IV=O²⁺/Fe^III(H₂O)₆ ³⁺, pH 0.0} is calculated with and without a second solvation sphere and the recommended value is between 2.86 V (B3LYP/Def2-TZVP, with a second solvation sphere) and 2.23 V (M06 L/Def2-TZVP without a second solvation sphere). This means that Fe^IV=O_aq is the strongest oxidizing agent formed in systems involving Fe^VIO₄ ²⁻ even in neutral media.