Oxidation by cobalt(III) acetate. Part 2. Oxidation of styrene in acetic acid

Abstract

The oxidation of styrene with cobalt(III) acetate has been studied in acetic acid under nitrogen. The product distribution is greatly affected by the composition of the solvent; in acetic acid and in wet acetic acid the reaction exclusively leads to 1,2-addition products, whereas in dry acetic acid preconditioned with acetic anhydride extensive formation of radical products is observed. None of the conditions gave rise to a rearrangement product. A Co-co-ordinated intermediate is proposed for the formation of 1,2-addition products.