Molecular Oxygen Insertion in Benzylcobaloximes with Mixed Dioximes

Secondary phosphine oxide-triggered selective oxygenation of a benzyl ligand on palladium

The oxygenation of a benzyl ligand in [PdBnCl(cod)] was dramatically accelerated by using secondary phosphine oxides (SPOs), selectively affording either BnOOH or BnOH, depending on the concentration of O2. The SPOs coordinate to palladium in the form of phosphinous acids, operating as Brønsted acids to facilitate further reaction with O2.

Oxygenation of a benzyl ligand in SNS-palladium complexes with O2: acceleration by anions or Brønsted acids

n-Bu₄NX or HX accelerated the oxygenation of an SNS-benzylpalladium complex, and the product selectivity was regulated primarily by a proton.