SELECTIVE OXYGENATION OF ALIPHATIC ETHERS CATALYZED BY RUTHENIUM(II) COMPLEXES

Selective and fast conversions of primary ethers to esters (or lactones) are achieved by using lithium hypochlorite in the presence of catalytic amounts of complexes of ruthenium(II) RuX2L4 [L = (CH3)2SO, (L)2 = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane], Isopropyl ether undergoes oxidative cleavage to acetone, while secondary ethers bearing methylene groups in the β-position are converted into β-keto ethers. Methyl ethers are unaffected by the oxidation. The origin of the observed selectivity is investigated and discussed. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.