Selective oxygenation of unactivated C–H bonds by dioxygen via the autocatalytic formation of oxoiron(v) species

Abstract

Selective catalytic oxygenation of unactivated C–H bonds for a series of substrates by dioxygen using iron complexes was performed without the use of a co-reductant. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeded via the autocatalytic formation of an oxoiron(V) intermediate, which brings high regioselectivity and stereoretention.