Copper-Catalyzed Oxidation of Alkanes with H2 O2 under a Fenton-like Regime.

Copper complexes bearing readily available ligand systems catalyzed the oxidation of alkanes with H2 O2 as the oxidant with high efficiency in remarkable yields (50-60 %). The reactions proceeded with unprecedented selectivity to give alkyl hydroperoxides as the major products. Detailed scrutiny of the reaction mechanism suggests the involvement of C-centered and O-centered radicals generated in a Fenton-like fashion.