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 center dot) radicals and organo-hydroperoxide (ROOH). A reaction mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.