Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods of preparing organic aldehydes, each method comprising contacting a terminal olefin with an oxidizing mixture comprising: (a) a dichloro-palladium complex; (b) a copper complex; (c) a source of nitrite; under aerobic reaction conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of the terminal olefin to an aldehyde.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a dual-catalysis system for direct conversion of olefins to alcohols. The cooperative catalytic system contains one oxidizing catalyst and one transfer-hydrogenation catalyst. A wide variety of olefins, including aromatic and aliphatic olefins, can be used as the reactant. The transformation proceeds with anti-Markovnikov selectivity, and in some aspects provides primary alcohols as major products. The disclosure further provides a system for oxidation of olefins with anti-Markovnikov selectivity.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a dual-catalysis system for direct conversion of olefins to alcohols. The cooperative catalytic system contains one oxidizing catalyst and one transfer-hydrogenation catalyst. A wide variety of olefins, including aromatic and aliphatic olefins, can be used as the reactant. The transformation proceeds with anti-Markovnikov selectivity, and in some aspects provides primary alcohols as major products. The disclosure further provides a system for oxidation of olefins with anti-Markovnikov selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for oxidizing internal olefins to ketones. In various embodiments, each method comprising contacting an organic substrate, having an initial internal olefin, with a mixture of (a) a biscationic palladium salt; and (b) an oxidizing agent; dissolved or dispersed in a solvent system to form a reaction mixture, said solvent system comprising at least one C2-6 carbon nitrile and optionally at least one secondary alkyl amide, said method conducted under conditions sufficient to convert at least 50 mol % of the initial internal olefin to a ketone, said ketone positioned on a carbon of the initial internal olefin. The transformation occurs at room temperature and shows wide substrate scope. Applications to the oxidation of seed oil derivatives and a bioactive natural product are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of synthesizing insect pheromones, particularly lepidopteran insect pheromones, their precursors and derivatives from inexpensive, readily available starting materials using olefin metathesis catalysis.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods of preparing organic aldehydes, each method comprising contacting a terminal olefin with an oxidizing mixture comprising: (a) a dichloro-palladium complex; (b) a copper complex; (c) a source of nitrite; under aerobic reaction conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of the terminal olefin to an aldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for oxidizing internal olefins to ketones. In various embodiments, each method comprising contacting an organic substrate, having an initial internal olefin, with a mixture of (a) a biscationic palladium salt; and (b) an oxidizing agent; dissolved or dispersed in a solvent system to form a reaction mixture, said solvent system comprising at least one C2-6 carbon nitrile and optionally at least one secondary alkyl amide, said method conducted under conditions sufficient to convert at least 50 mol % of the initial internal olefin to a ketone, said ketone positioned on a carbon of the initial internal olefin. The transformation occurs at room temperature and shows wide substrate scope. Applications to the oxidation of seed oil derivatives and a bioactive natural product are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of synthesizing insect pheromones, particularly lepidopteran insect pheromones, their precursors and derivatives from inexpensive, readily available starting materials using olefin metathesis catalysis.