Organocatalytic, Dioxirane-Mediated C-H Hydroxylation under Mild Conditions Using Oxone.

Dioxiranes are among the most selective and useful reagents for C(sp)-H hydroxylation, but the development of a general dioxirane-mediated catalytic method has been an elusive goal. A trifluoromethyl ketone catalyst in combination with Oxone is shown to enable the first dioxirane-mediated catalytic hydroxylations that approximate the reactivity and selectivity of isolated dioxiranes. The mild reaction conditions allow for selective 3° hydroxylation and 2° oxidation and are tolerant of acid-sensitive functionality and electron-neutral arenes.