Synthesis and characterisation of cobalt, nickel and copper complexes with tripodal 4N ligands as novel catalysts for the homogeneous partial oxidation of alkanes

C-H activation of inert hydrocarbons: New cobalt, nickel and copper complexes with the tripodal 4N ligand Me6TREN (tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine and related compounds are tested as homogeneous catalysts for the partial oxidation of cyclohexane and adamantane in the presence of the sacrificial oxidant m-chloroperbenzoic acid.