Efficient Oxidation of Internal Alkynes to 1,2-Diketone Compounds Catalyzed by a Binuclear Ruthenium Complex

Abstract Structurally methane monooxygenase (MMO) active site-like new binuclear ruthenium complex-catalyzed oxidation of internal alkynes is described. The direct catalytic oxidation of internal alkynes proceeded smoothly and completed within 15 min in the presence of NaIO4 as the oxidant to produce 1,2-diketone products in high to excellent yields. The binuclear ruthenium complex can be easily prepared and handled, and it has high catalytic activity (TOFmax = 5778 h−1) and a long lifetime (TONmax = 52,000). Various synthetically useful functional groups, such as halogen atoms, acetyl, and TMS, remain intact during the oxidation of internal alkynes.