Cationic Palladium(Ii) Complexes For Catalytic Wacker-Type Oxidation Of Styrenes To Ketones Using O-2 As The Sole Oxidant

A series of new cationic palladium(II) complexes were prepared and studied for their ability to catalyze the Wacker-type oxidation of styrenes to their corresponding acetophenones using O-2 as the sole oxidant. Catalysts are active at room temperature and the study highlights the importance of solvent choice and the need for ligand development in improving catalyst performance.