Rutheniumporphyrins, especially with several nitro groups in b-positions, were used in the cyclohexane oxidation in the presence of iodosylbenzene, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite as oxygen donors, under mild conditions. The beta-polynitrated complexes were able to promote the catalytic cyclohexane oxidation. They show an exceptionally high catalytic efficiency and resistance to attack by strong oxidizing agents. The cyclohexane oxidation was monitored by gas chromatography and the results showed that the beta-polynitrated rutheniumporphyrins are better catalysts when compared to other complexes not beta-polynitrated. In all cases, the 2-phenylsubstituted complexes were more efficient than 4-phenylsubstituted complexes. The importance of the ortho effect to oxidation was shown.
polynitrated porphyrins; rutheniumporphyrins; oxidation
