THE SELECTIVE FUNCTIONALIZATION OF SATURATED-HYDROCARBONS - GIF AND ALL THAT

The Gif family of systems for the selective oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons are briefly described. The mechanism of the reaction is analysed in terms of four intermediates. The first is well characterised as an (V)Fe sigma-carbon bond species and the last has been fully identified, at least in the case of cyclohexane, as a hydroperoxide. The utility of dynamic C-13 NMR spectroscopy in iron containing systems is demonstrated. Gif type chemistry is closely related to the unusual enzyme methane monooxygenase.