LMCT reactions typically achieve higher yields when the corresponding C-H precursor is used in excess such as shown in Scheme 4.7. To investigate the effect of varying amounts of an inorganic base on the CeF4 benzoate LMCT reaction and simultaneously prove the formation of oxygen-centred radicals on carboxylates, compound 13 was reacted in 0.1 mmol scale with Na2CO3 and Cs2CO3 (Scheme 8, Table ), resulting in the formation of the respective γ-lactone 14 exclusively. Scheme 8. Formation of γ-lactone 14 and peroxy-lactone 15 by cerium-LMCT.