Oxidation of alkanes by TBHP in the presence of soluble titanium complexes

The oxidation reaction of alkanes by t-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) in the pre sence of titanium alkoxides produced the corresponding alcohols and ketones . The feature of this reaction was different from titanosilicate, although the tetra-alkoxide structure of titanium alkoxides is similar to titanosili cate. Other titanium complexes with titanyl or peroxo-titanium groups were not effective. This oxidation reaction proceeded in radical mechanism, t-Bu toxyl radical formed from TBHP and titanium alkoxide started the radical re action. The evolution of oxygen (the decomopsition of peroxide) and the abs traction of hydrogen from alkane to form alkyl radical occurred competitive ly. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.