The epoxidation of the olefins by meso-tetraphenylporphyrinatochromium(3+) chloride as an electrochemical P-450 model compound.

An electrochemical P450 model compound consisting of meso-tetraphenylporphyrinatochromium(3+) chloride (CrTPP), imidazole, and acetic acid was used in acetonitrile containing alkenes. The corresponding epoxides were obtained in better yields compared to a similar electrochemical P450 model compound using meso-tetraphenylporphyrinatomanganese(3+) chloride. The results of cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential electrolysis suggest that electrochemically reduced CrTPP reacts with dissolved oxygen to oxidize alkenes to epoxides.