Hydroperoxometal

Hydroperoxometal refers to a class of chemical compounds containing a metal atom bonded to a hydroperoxide ligand (ROO-). These compounds are important intermediates in various oxidation reactions mediated by metal catalysts. The hydroperoxide ligand is typically derived from organic hydroperoxides such as tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) or cumene hydroperoxide (CHP). The metal can be a transition metal, and common examples include vanadium, molybdenum, titanium, and iron. The M-OOH moiety is a key feature, and the oxygen-oxygen bond in the hydroperoxide ligand is relatively weak, making it prone to homolytic or heterolytic cleavage. This cleavage can lead to the generation of highly reactive oxygen species, such as metal-oxo species or alkoxy radicals, which are responsible for subsequent oxidation of substrates. Hydroperoxometal complexes play a significant role in catalytic processes like epoxidation of alkenes, hydroxylation of alkanes, and oxidation of sulfides. Their reactivity and stability are influenced by the nature of the metal, its oxidation state, and the supporting ligands. Understanding the structure and reactivity of hydroperoxometal species is crucial for designing efficient and selective metal-based oxidation catalysts.