Abstract: Preparation process for .alpha.,.beta.-dicarbonylated compounds of formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sub.2 =alkyl, phenyl or benzyl being able to be substituted in various ways on the cycle, or carboxylic ester, and R.sub.3 =alkyl or alkoxy or carboxylic ester in which a compound of formula (II) ##STR2## in which R.sub.1 =alkyl, or alkyl .alpha.-ketocarboxylate or carboxylic ester, and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 have the same meanings as previously is reacted in a nitrile type solvent, with molecular oxygen in the presence of copper.sup.II nitrate or ferric chloride as catalyst, and use for obtaining ethyl .alpha.-ketobutyrate, ethyl phenyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, ethyl phenylglyoxylate, butane-2,3-dione or diethyl mesoxalate.

Abstract: Olefins containing from 3 to 30 carbon atoms are directly oxidized to epoxides and allyl alcohols in the liquid phase by contact with a gas stream comprising oxygen but substantially free from hydrogen, in the presence of two metal compound catalysts which are soluble in the reaction mixture. The catalysts are preferably a compound of a Group VII or VIII metal and a compound of a Group VA or VIA transition metal.