Understanding C-H Bond Oxidations: H\cdot and H^- Transfer in the Oxidation of Toluene by Permanganate
Abstract
The oxidation of toluene by permanganate has been studied as a model for the oxidation of C-H bonds by metal reagents, metalloenzymes, and metal oxide surfaces. In water, the reaction proceeds by hydride (H^-) transfer from toluene to a permanganate oxygen, whereas in toluene solution, permanganate abstracts a hydrogen atom (H\cdot). The ability of permanganate to abstract a hydrogen atom is rationalized on the basis of the strong O-H bond formed on H\cdot addition to permanganate. This approach allows understanding and prediction of the rates of hydrogen atom transfer from substrates to metal active sites.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- September 1995
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.7569922
- Bibcode:
- 1995Sci...269.1849G