Low-temperature oxidation of isopropylbenzene mediated by the system of NHPI, Fe(acac)3 and 1,10-phenanthroline

Highly efficient oxidation of isopropylbenzene mediated by the system of NHPI/Fe(acac)3/Phen has been carried out at temperature as low as 60 °C. Significant improvement of catalysis by NHPI was associated with an enhanced oxidizing ability of Fe(III) tandem with Phen, which caused the intense generation of PINO. Furthermore, NMR observations revealed formation of a hydrogen-bonded NHPI-Phen adduct soluble in acetonitrile and isopropylbenzene. Based on this phenomenon, the system was applicable for the oxidation of solvent-free isopropylbenzene. The promise of the system of NHPI/Fe(acac)3/Phen for the selective synthesis of isopropylbenzene hydroperoxide was demonstrated by oxidation at a low content of Fe(acac)3. [Display omitted] •System of NHPI/Fe(acac)3/Phen mediates highly efficient oxidation of isopropylbenzene.•Phen promoted generation of PINO from NHPI and Fe(acac)3.•Phen causes NHPI solubility and oxidation of isopropylbenzene without solvent.