A Structurally Characterized Nonheme Cobalt–Hydroperoxo Complex Derived from Its Superoxo Intermediate via Hydrogen Atom Abstraction

Bubbling O2 into a THF solution of CoII(BDPP) (1) at −90 °C generates an O2 adduct, Co­(BDPP)­(O2) (3). The resonance Raman and EPR investigations reveal that 3 contains a low spin cobalt­(III) ion bound to a superoxo ligand. Significantly, at −90 °C, 3 can react with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-hydroxypiperidine (TEMPOH) to form a structurally characterized cobalt­(III)-hydroperoxo complex, CoIII(BDPP)­(OOH) (4) and TEMPO•. Our findings show that cobalt­(III)-superoxo species are capable of performing hydrogen atom abstraction processes. Such a stepwise O2-activating process helps to rationalize cobalt-catalyzed aerobic oxidations and sheds light on the possible mechanism of action for Co-bleomycin.