Alkane Hydroxylation by m-Chloroperbenzoic Acid Catalyzed by Nickel(II) Complexes of Linear N4-Tetradentate Ligands

In this manuscript, we report the synthesis and characterization of the nickel(II) complexes supported by a series of linear tetradentate N4-ligands consisting with a cyclic diamine framework and (2-pyridyl)methyl or (2-pyridyl)ethyl sidearms and the oxidation of alkanes with m-CPBA catalyzed by those nickel(II) complexes. Mechanistic details of the catalytic reaction are also discussed based on the detailed product analysis and kinetic data.