Factors affecting the selectivity of the oxidation of methyl p-toluate by cobalt(III)

The anaerobic oxidation of methyl p-toluate by cobalt(III) in acetic acid is examined. The selectivity for the oxidation of methyl p-toluate displayed by the mixed-metal cluster complex is shown to be similar to that seen by the addition of chromium to oxidations by using [[Py.sub.3][Co.sub.3]O[(OAc).sub.5]OH][P[F.sub.6]].