Abstract

This review focuses on the recent achievements towards the selective formation of allylic hydroperoxides by the reaction of singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) with alkenes adsorbed in the cavities of zeolite Na-Y. The product distribution by zeolite confinement is often dramatically different compared to the photooxygenation reaction in a homogeneous medium. Cation - π interactions and cation - singlet oxygen interactions, in the rate-limiting transition states, are most likely responsible for the changes in product selectivity within Na-Y.

Keywords: singlet oxygen, allylic hydroperoxides, regioselectivity, diastereoselectivity, zeolite na-y, cation interactions