A lower catalyst loading slows down the reaction, but maintains the selectivity towards succinic anhydride (Figure ). 92% of SA was obtained after 16 h with 2.5 mol% of [Co2(CO)8], and 60% after 72 h with 1 mol%, with a high selectivity (for each experiment, selectivity >87%). Scaling-up experiments were successfully conducted in large-volume autoclaves, proving the applicability of this method up to the gram scale. An experiment with 5 mmol (360 mg) of PL afforded 90% of the desired product. When 10 mmol (720 mg) of PL were engaged in catalysis, 83% of SA was obtained after 8 h. A similar good yield was obtained within a few days when only 1 mol% of [Co2(CO)8] was introduced. High selectivity was achieved in each case (see S.I. for the detailed procedure).