Cobalt–Salen Complex-Catalyzed Oxidative Generation of Alkyl Radicals from Aldehydes for the Preparation of Hydroperoxides

Catalytic generation of alkyl radicals from aldehydes via oxidative deformylation was realized using a cobalt-salen complex with H₂O₂. The deformylation was thought to proceed through homolytic cleavage of peroxohemiacetal intermediates to provide even primary alkyl radicals under mild conditions. Variously substituted and functionalized hydroperoxides were obtained from corresponding aldehydes in good yield