A facile and efficient Bi(III) catalyzed synthesis of 1,1-dihydroperoxides and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes

Bismuth triflate is a remarkably efficient and mild catalyst for the synthesis of both 1,1-dihydroperoxides and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes. The successful application of this methodology for the synthesis of both symmetrical and unsymmetrical tetraoxanes is demonstrated.