Using reduced catalysts for oxidation reactions: mechanistic studies of the "Periana-Catalytica" system for CH4 oxidation.

Designing oxidation catalysts based on CH activation with reduced, low oxidation state species is a seeming dilemma given the proclivity for catalyst deactivation by overoxidation. This dilemma has been recognized in the Shilov system where reduced Pt(II) is used to catalyze methane functionalization. Thus, it is generally accepted that key to replacing Pt(IV) in that system with more practical oxidants is ensuring that the oxidant does not over-oxidize the reduced Pt(II) species.

Carboxylic solvents and O-donor ligand effects on CH activation by Pt(II).

We report on the design of more efficient C-H activation catalysts based on DFT calculations. The first examples of well-defined, N,O-donor ligated platinum complexes that are competent for fast C-H activation are detailed. These complexes exhibit thermal and protic stability and are efficient catalysts for H/D exchange reactions with benzene.