Catalytic oxidation of alkene by cobalt corroles

Four cobalt (III) corroles bearing different number of pentafluorophenyl and phenyl groups were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, HR-MS, UV–vis, NMR, XPS as well as cyclic voltammetry. The first investigation of cobalt corrole catalyzed oxidation of alkene was conducted by using styrene as substrate. The best yield was obtained in acetonitrile solvent in the air with TBHP oxidant (96% yield based on oxidant, up to 96 TON). Benzaldehyde was detected as the main product by using PhI(OAc)₂, TBHP, KHSO₅, PhIO as oxidants. In contrast, styrene oxide was found to be the major product when using m-CPBA oxidant. Nearly no products could be found by using H₂O₂ oxidant. Possible catalytic oxidation pathway was also discussed based on the obsewrvations of UV–vis changes of the ctatalytic system in the absence of substrate and in-situ HR-MS.