Metalloporphyrin-catalyzed hydroxylation of cyclohexane with molecular oxygen

Abstract

The selective oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone was realized in the model system of cytochromes P-450 consisting of chlorotetraphenylporphyrinato-Mn(III), Fe(III) or Co(II) complexes, molecular oxygen and ascorbic acid as coreductant. The catalytic efficiency was found to be sensitive to the peripheral phenyl substitution pattern of the porphyrinato ring in the complexes. The effects of the metal centre, axial ligand [substrate]/[catalyst] ratio and pH of mixture were examined and discussed with reference to oxidation mechanism. © 1991.