Mild oxidation of hydrocarbons by tert-butyl hydroperoxide catalyzed by electron deficient manganese(III) corroles

Mild oxidations of alkenes with tert-butylhydroperoxide catalyzed by electron deficient manganese(III) corroles have been achieved at room temperature. The oxygenation of cyclohexane, adamantane and toluene has also been studied under similar reaction conditions. The oxidation has been shown to proceed with participation of alkylperoxy (ROO) radicals and organo-hydroperoxide (ROOH). A reaction mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (58 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Mn(III) corroles catalyze oxidation of hydrocarbons with t-BuOOH at room temperature. ▶ The catalytic system proceeds through a radical-chain mechanism. ▶ The participation of ROO and ROOH has been proposed.