Hypervalent Main-Group Electrophiles for the Selective Oxidation of Methane

High oxidation state main-group trifluoroacetates have been previously shown to selectively convert methane (CH4) into methyl trifluoroacetate, albeit at high pressures and temperatures. In this research main-group triflates and related compounds are investigated for their heightened reactivity to synthesise mono-oxidised methyl derivatives, which can be obtained even at room temperature and pressure. Additionally, the use of dioxygen as a terminal oxidant for a catalytic C-H oxidation has been studied.