Proton-assisted activation of a MnIII–OOH for aromatic C–H hydroxylation through a putative [MnVO] species

Abstract

Adding HClO₄ to [(BnTPEN)Mn^III–OO]⁺ in MeOH generates a short-lived Mn^III–OOH species, which converts to a putative Mn^VO species. The potent Mn^VO species in MeCN oxidizes the pendant phenyl ring of the ligand in an intramolecular fashion. The addition of benzene causes the formation of (BnTPEN)Mn^III-phenolate. These findings suggest that high valent Mn species have the potential to catalyze challenging aromatic hydroxylation reactions.