ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Benzylic and Aliphatic C-H Oxidation with Selectivity for Methylenic Sites Catalyzed by a Bioinspired Manganese Complex

A benzimidazole-based nonheme manganese complex efficiently catalyzes benzylic, aliphatic C–H as well as tertiary C–H oxidation with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant in the presence of acetic acid as additive. 18O labeling experiments suggest the reaction may proceed via a high-valent manganese-oxo intermediate.