Mechanistic study on benzylic oxidations catalyzed by bismuth(III) salts: X-ray structures of two bismuth-picolinate complexes

We report studies that are consistent with benzylic oxidation reactions catalyzed using bismuth(III) salts proceeding via a radical mechanism. Additionally, X-ray structures of two potential bismuth-picolinate complex intermediates are reported. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.