A new and efficient biomimetic system for hydrocarbon oxidation by dioxygen using manganese porphyrins, imidazole, and zinc

Abstract

Epoxidation of alkenes and hydroxylation of alkanes by dioxygen and Zn as a reducing agent, with good yields (up to 50%) based on Zn and rates (up to 200 turnovers of the catalyst per hour), were achieved by using manganese porphyrin catalysts in the presence of 1-methylimidazole and acetic acid.