The utility and selectivity of the catalyst [Ru(COD)(L(1))Br2] (1) bearing a fused π-conjugated imidazo[1,2-a][1,8]naphthyridine-based abnormal N-heterocyclic carbene ligand L(1) is demonstrated toward selective oxidation of C═C bonds to aldehydes and C≡C bonds to α-diketones in an EtOAc/CH3CN/H2O solvent mixture at room temperature using a wide range of substrates, including highly functionalized sugar- and amino acid-derived compounds.

No abstract

Chemistry. -A novel annulated imidazo[1,2-a][1,8]naphthyridine-based NHC Ru-complex is synthesized and successfully applied as catalyst in the oxidative cleavage of structurally diverse C=C bonds to yield aldehydes. Internal alkynes give -diketones under similar conditions. The process can also be applied to the oxidation of olefins bearing carbohydrate scaffolds. -(DAW, P.; PETAKAMSETTY, R.; SARBAJNA, A.; LAHA, S.; RAMAPANICKER, R.; BERA*, J. K.; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 136 (2014) 40, 13987-13990, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja5075294 ; Dep. Chem., Indian Inst. Technol., Kanpur 208 016, India; Eng.) -Mais 16-046