Cobalt(II)-induced activation of dioxygen for the dehydrogenation of N-methylanilines and benzyl alcohol

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00025a016

In acetonitrile the bis(pyridine)cobalt(II) complex [Co^II(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂] activates dioxygen via the reversible formation of a μ-dioxygen complex. This complex dehydrogenates (oxidizes) N-methylanilines, benzyl alcohol, and aldehydes (with subsequent autoxidation). In the absence of substrate, the Co^II(bpy)₂²⁺ complex reduces dioxygen via residual water in the solvent to generate HOOH. The complex does not activate O₂ for reaction with hydrocarbons [even 1,4-cyclohexadiene (ΔH_DBE 73 kcal mol^-1) is inert].