Iron-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of (Alkyl)(aryl)azinylmethanes

An iron-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of (alkyl)(aryl)azinylmethanes has been developed leading to tertiary alcohols in moderate to good yields. Hock rearrangement was identified as a major side reaction leading to a complex mixture of undesired products. Addition of thiourea sometimes allows inhibiting this side reaction and steers the reaction towards the desired products.