The Fe(PDP)-catalyzed aliphatic C-H oxidation: a slow addition protocol

This report describes a slow addition protocol for the Fe(PDP)-catalyzecl aliphatic C-H oxidation reaction. Under this protocol, the reaction can be productively driven to higher conversions without decreasing site-selectivity or chemoselectivity. The operational advantages of this procedure are highlighted in the oxidation of two complex natural product derivatives. Hydroxylated products can be obtained in high isolated yields without the need for recycling recovered starting materials. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.