The addition of 1 equiv of KO 2 and Kryptofix222 (Krypt) in CH 3 CN to a solution of LCu(CH 3 CN) [L = N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2,6-pyridinecarboxamide] in tetrahydrofuran at −80 °C yielded [K(Krypt)][LCuO 2 ], the enhanced stability of which enabled reexamination of its reactivity with 2-phenylpropionaldehyde (2-PPA). Mechanistic and product analysis studies revealed that [K(Krypt)][LCuO 2 ] reacts with wet 2-PPA to form [LCuOH] − , which then, deprotonates 2-PPA to yield the copper(II) enolate complex [LCu(OC=C(Me)Ph)] − . Acetophenone was observed upon workup of this complex or mixtures of KO 2 and 2-PPA alone, in support of an alternative mechanism(s) to the one proposed previously involving an initial nucleophilic attack at the carbonyl group of 2-PPA.Elucidating the structure and function of putative monocopper−oxygen intermediates is imperative for understanding many oxygenase enzymes 1 and abiological oxidation catalysts. 2 Common to all mechanistic schemes for the activation of O 2 in such systems is the initial formation of a 1:1 Cu/O 2 species, typically formulated as a copper(II) superoxide comprising a [CuO 2 ] + core. 3 Significant appreciation of the structures and spectroscopic properties of [CuO 2 ] + cores has been achieved through studies of synthetic complexes. 4 Some features of the reactivity of such complexes also have been examined, but many questions concerning detailed mechanisms, supporting ligand effects, 5 and other aspects remain unanswered because of their thermal instability, challenges associated with isolating the complexes in pure form, and complicated side reactions.