Mild manganese(III) acetate catalyzed allylic oxidation: application to simple and complex alkenes.

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.