The reaction of cyclopentadienyl)(1,2-ethenedithiolato)cobalt(III) com
plexes with dibenzoyl peroxide at moderate temperature (40 degrees C)
brings about the substitution of a benzoyloxy group for a hydrogen in
the cobaltadithiolene ring in an ionic mechanism. At 110 degrees C in
a toluene solution, the substitution of a benzyl group for a hydrogen
in the cobaltadithiolene ring in a radical mechanism occurs competitiv
ely with benzoyloxylation.