Spectroscopic capture and reactivity of S = 1/2 nickel(iii)–oxygen intermediates in the reaction of a NiII-salt with mCPBA

Ni(III)-intermediates are trapped by EPR and UV/Vis spectroscopy in the reaction of a Ni(II) salt with mCPBA. On the basis of their oxo-transfer and hydrogen-atom abstraction abilities the intermediates are assigned as the elusive terminal Ni(III)-oxo/hydroxo species. The findings suggest that Ni(III)-O(H) moieties are viable reactants in oxidation catalysis.