Efficient oxidative scission of alkenes or alkynes with heterogeneous ruthenium zirconia catalyst

The efficiency of a heterogeneous ruthenium zirconia catalyst (Ru(OH)_x/ZrO₂) was demonstrated to the selective oxidative transformation of alkenes or alkynes. The scissions of C-C double bonds to aldehydes and triple bonds to diketones or carboxylic acids were carried out with (diacetoxyiodo)benzene as an oxidant under dichloromethane (5 mL)/water (0.5 mL) solvent system at 30ºC for wide range of substrates. The Ru(OH)_x/ZrO₂composite showed higher catalytic activity and selectivity than other ruthenium-based homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts for the scission reaction. The catalyst exhibited a high mechanical stability, and no leaching of the metal was observed during the reaction. These features ensured the reusability of the catalyst for several times for the oxidative cleavage of unsaturated hydrocarbons.