Structures and Reaction Mechanisms of Manganese Oxidants

Abstract The chemistry of manganese based oxidants (permanganate, manganese dioxide, manganese(III) acetate and manganese(V) complexes) is reviewed. Possible mechanisms for the reactions between manganese based oxidants and organic compounds are described and the evidence, both experimental and theoretical, on which the proposed mechanisms are based is presented. Special emphasis is placed on identification of the structures of the transition states and reactive intermediates that are formed as these reactions proceed.