Kharasch and metalloporphyrin catalysis in the functionalization of alkanes, alkenes, and alkylbenzenes by t-BuOOH. Free radical mechanisms, solvent effect, and relationship with the Gif reaction

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00106a026

New results for the oxidation of alkanes, alkenes, and alkylbenzenes by t-BuOOH according to the Kharasch reaction and Mn(III)- and Fe(III)-porphyrin catalysis are reported. Chemical and kinetic evidence show the role of t-BuO^? and t-BuOO^? radicals in these oxidations and the strict relationship with the Gif reaction, for which recently a free-radical mechanism has been emphasized in contrast with the Barton interpretation. A key step appears to be the hydrogen abstraction from t-BuOOH by t-BuO^?, very fast in nonbasic solvents, but inhibited by solvents which form hydrogen bonds with t-BuOOH. As a consequence, the generally accepted Kochi mechanism of the Kharasch reaction must be modified, and the similar mechanistic features of the three types of catalysis (Kharasch, metalloporphyrins, and Gif) are discussed.