Gold-catalyzed aerobic epoxidation of trans-stilbene in methylcyclohexane. Part II: Identification and quantification of a key reaction intermediate

► 1-Methylcyclohexyl hydroperoxide (MCOOH) is identified as a product of the gold-catalyzed aerobic co-oxidation of stilbene and methylcyclohexane. ► Determination of MCOOH concentration by PPh3 titration (MCOOH + PPh3 → MCOH + OPPh3) followed by 31P NMR gives access to MCOOH GC response. ► The co-oxidation process combines a methylcyclohexane autoxidation pathway and a stilbene epoxidation pathway.