The electron-deficient iron(III) corrole complex catalyzes the efficient oxidation of hydrocarbons using PhI(OAc)(2) as an mild oxygen source. The catalyst stability against degradation was much enhanced owing to the mild oxidizing ability of PhI(OAc)(2). Excellent selectivity and high catalytic efficiency (with up to 1400 TON) have been achieved in alkene epoxidations. This promising oxygen transfer process is mechanistically rationalized in terms of a putative high-valent iron(V)-oxo species as the active oxidant. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.