Co(III)-alkylperoxo complexes: syntheses, structure-reactivity correlations, and use in the oxidation of hydrocarbons

Crystalline LCo(III)-OOR] complexes with strong-field ligands, L, afford ROO(*) and RO(*) radicals upon mild heating in solution. This fact allows oxidation of hydrocarbons by these complexes under mild conditions. The extent of hydrocarbon oxidation by discrete LCo(III)-OOR] complexes depends on the nature of L, the solvent, the temperature, and the presence of other M(II) ions. Such systems are catalytic in the presence of excess ROOH.