The reaction of p-cyano-N,N-dimethylaniline N-oxide, an O-atom donor, with different copper(I) complexes (at room temperature and in acetone) indicates the formation via O-atom transfer of a high-valent copper oxyl species,… Click to show full abstract
The reaction of p-cyano-N,N-dimethylaniline N-oxide, an O-atom donor, with different copper(I) complexes (at room temperature and in acetone) indicates the formation via O-atom transfer of a high-valent copper oxyl species, CuII-O•, a putative key intermediate in the catalytic cycle of copper-containing monooxygenases. The formation of p-cyano-N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylaniline and p-cyano-N-methylaniline as the main products of the reaction highlight the capability of this species to hydroxylate strong C-H bonds (bond dissociation energy ∼ 90 kcal/mol). A plausible mechanism for the reactivity of this catalytic system is proposed.
               
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