Article | 29 June 2020

The reduction of N 2 to NH 3 is mediated in living systems by the enzyme nitrogenase and in the chemical industry by the Haber–Bosch process; both systems rely on iron-based catalysis. Now, a molecular tri(iron)bis(nitrido) complex, prepared by reduction of a bis(iron)bis(iodo) precursor under an N 2 atmosphere, has been isolated and shown to promote the formation of NH 3 from H 2 .