HOF·CH3CN, made directly from F2 and water, as an ecologically friendly oxidizing reagent

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)88036-4

The complex HOF·CH₃CN, made directly from fluorine and aqueous acetonitrile, was used for oxidation of secondary alcohols and for Baeyer Villiger oxidation of ketones. By using ¹⁸O labeled reagent it was found that the ketone oxidation proceeds through the original dioxirane mechanism which Baeyer and Villiger suggested a century ago for reactions with peracids but was later discounted.