Cobalt catalyzed oxidation of cyclic alkenes with molecular oxygen: Allylic oxidation versus double bond attack

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(94)02200-U

Cobalt (II) Schiff's base complex 1 and 2 exhibit a remarkable chemoselectivity during oxidation of cyclic alkenes with molecular oxygen in the presence of 2-methylpropanal. Catalyst 1 encourages the oxidation of double bond to give epoxide as the major product whereas catalyst 2 promotes mainly the allylic oxidation leading to allylic alcohols or enones.