Hydroxylation of an Aliphatic C−H Bond in an Imidazole-Ligated (μ-η²:η²-Peroxo)dicopper(II) Complex

Abstract

Low-temperature oxygenation of {Cu[P(imiPr2)3]CH3CN}CF3SO3 affords a μ-η2:η2-peroxo adduct. Upon warming a dilute solution (<10-3 M) of the peroxide complex, intramolecular hydroxylation occurs at the tertiary carbon atom of one of the isopropyl groups of the ligand, reminiscent of the one catalyzed by the copper enzyme dopamine β-monooxygenase.