Efficient Benzylic and Aliphatic C–H Oxidation with Selectivity for Methylenic Sites Catalyzed by a Bioinspired Manganese Complex

Abstract

A benzimidazole-based nonheme manganese complex efficiently catalyzes benzylic, aliphatic C-H as well as tertiary C-H oxidation with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant in the presence of acetic acid as additive. (18)O labeling experiments suggest the reaction may proceed via a high-valent manganese-oxo intermediate.