Ruthenium nanoparticles supported on hydroxyapatite as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for cis-dihydroxylation and oxidative cleavage of alkenes

Impregnation of hydroxyapatite with colloidal ruthenium results in the formation of a catalyst that effects cis-dihydroxylation and oxidative cleavage of alkenes to their respective cis-1,2-diols and carbonyl products in good to excellent yields (see scheme). The supported ruthenium catalyst can be easily recycled and reused for consecutive reaction runs without significant deterioration of the catalytic activities. R1, R2 = H, alkyl, aryl.