Efficient stereoselective oxygenation of alkanes by peroxyacetic acid or hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid catalysed by a manganese(IV) 1,4,7- trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane complex

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00893-4

The dinuclear manganese complex [LMn(IV)(O)₃Mn(IV)L](PF₆)₂, where L is 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane. catalyses the oxygenation of alkane by peroxyacetic acid or by H₂O₂ in the presence of acetic acid to give alkanols, alkanones and alkyl hydroperoxides. The reactions can give large turnovers (up to 1350 after 1 h at 20°C) and can occur with a high degree of retention of stereochemistry at tertiary carbon atoms.