Selective oxidation of benzylic hydrocarbons to carbonyl compounds catalyzed by Mn(III) salen complexes

Selectie oxidation of benzylic hydrocarbons to the carbonyl compounds was achieved using a racemic Mn(III) salen complex 1 as the catalyst. The reaction proceeds in good yields under mild reaction conditions using iodosobenzene or aq. sodium hypochlorite as a stoichiometric oxidant.