Mild catalytic oxidation of secondary and tertiary amines to nitrones and N-oxides with H2O2 mediated by Pt(II) catalysts

Bridging hydroxo complexes of Pt(II) can be used as catalysts for the oxidation of tertiary and secondary amines under mild conditions using the environmentally benign hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. The reaction proceeds with medium to excellent yields particularly in the case of the more electron rich tertiary amines.