The subject invention provides a binuclear metal complex having structure (I) wherein M1, and M2 are independently selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Mn and Ru; wherein m and n are independently +2 or +3; wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are independently a linear C1-C6 alkyl, C5-C6 cycloalkyl, phenyl, etc.; wherein (i) R1 and R2, (ii) R3 and R4, or (iii) R5 and R6 independently and optionally are linked covalently and together with the respective adjoining C atom comprise a spirocyclic ring; wherein i, j and k are integers such that 2≤i + j + k≤4; wherein p is 1 or 2, and q is 0, 1 or 2 such that m + n-4=p x q; wherein (i) R1 or R2 and R3 or R4, (ii) R3 or R4 and R4 or R5, or (iii) R1 or R2 and R5 or R6 independently and optionally are linked covalently and together with the respective adjoining C atoms comprise a fused ring; wherein Ar is 1,2-phenylene, 1,2- or 2,3-naphthylene, etc., wherein said Ar is optionally substitued by C1-C6 alkyl or alkoxy; wherein L is N-methylimidazole, N-ethylimidazole, etc.; and wherein X is fluorine, chlorine, bromine, etc. Also provided are methods of oxidation of alkanes, arenes, and sulfides using the binuclear metal complex as a catalyst and a method of preparing said complex.
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