Catalytic Oxidation of Alkenes with O2

Abstract

There are several typical oxidation products from alkenes, which can be reached via catalytic routes using molecular oxygen as terminal oxidant. We are only considering liquid phase processes catalyzed by transition metal ions or complexes typically below 100–150 C. Many of these homogeneous catalytic reactions occur at or around room temperature. In addition to a single solvent containing the dissolved catalyst complex, phase-transfer conditions involving liquid-liquid or solid-liquid systems will in some cases be described. Likewise, heterogenized catalysts, i.e. transition metal complexes anchored to polymeric or other carriers may be cited as illustrative examples. However, in general the latter two types of systems are beyond the scope of this book.