Indirect evidence for a Ni III -oxyl oxidant in the reaction of a Ni II complex with peracid.

The reaction of a NiII complex and meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA) resulted in the formation of a long-lived NiIII -chlorobenzoate complex that is a capable hydrocarbon oxidant. Analysis of the post-reaction decay products showed the formation of oxidised derivatives of the supporting ligand (a benzoxazine), and heterolytic O-O bond scission in m-CPBA. This evidence indicates formation of a more potent transient NiIII -oxyl species, which was further supported by DFT calculations.