Copper‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Alkanes with H2O2 under a Fenton‐like Regime

Abstract Copper complexes bearing readily available ligand systems catalyzed the oxidation of alkanes with H 2 O 2 as the oxidant with high efficiency in remarkable yields (50–60 %). The reactions proceeded with unprecedented selectivity to give alkyl hydroperoxides as the major products. Detailed scrutiny of the reaction mechanism suggests the involvement of C‐centered and O‐centered radicals generated in a Fenton‐like fashion.