Manganese(III) acetate catalyzed allylic oxidation of alkenes to the corresponding enones was investigated, showing excellent regioselectivity and chemoselectivity (functional group compatibility). Delta(5)-Steroids were transformed into bioactive Delta(5)-en-7-ones under a nitrogen atmosphere, whereas simple alkenes were converted into the corresponding enones under an oxygen atmosphere in good yields.

Oxidation O 0212Mild Manganese(III) Acetate Catalyzed Allylic Oxidation: Application to Simple and Complex Alkenes. -A mild, regioselective and highly functional group compatible allylic oxidation protocol using the title catalyst is developed and applied to a variety of simple alkenes and steroids. -(SHING*, T. K. M.; YEUNG, Y.-Y.; SU, P. L.;