First Structurally Authenticated Zinc Alkylperoxide: A Model System for the Epoxidation of Enones

Abstract

β-Ketoimine ligands stabilize zinc compounds: The dimeric zinc alkylperoxide [{(LL)ZnOOEt}2] (where LL=HC{(CMe)(2,6-iPr2C6H3N)}2) has been prepared and structurally characterized (see picture, Zn green, N blue, O red, C gray). This compound, which is formed by the insertion of dioxygen into the ZnEt bond, is very active in the epoxidation of enones.