A unique rate-accelerating effect of certain amino acids in the H2O2 oxidation of alkanes catalyzed by a dinuclear manganese complex containing 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane

Certain amino acids used in small amounts (10 catalyst equiv) strongly accelerate the H₂O₂ oxidation of cyclohexane catalyzed by a dinuclear manganese(IV) complex with 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane. The efficiency of the co-catalyst dramatically depends on the nature and structure of the acid. Pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (2,3-PDCA) has been found to be the most efficient co-catalyst whereas picolinic acid is almost inactive in this oxidation. The highest rate has been attained when 2,3-PDCA was used in combination with trifluoroacetic acid.