Cu(II)-Catalyzed Aerobic Hydroperoxidation of Meldrum's Acid Derivatives and Application in Intramolecular Oxidation: A Conceptual Blueprint for O2/H2 Dihydroxylation

Aerobic hydroperoxidation of Meldrum's acid derivatives via a Cu(II)-catalyzed process is presented. The mild reaction conditions are tolerant to pendant unsaturation allowing the formation of endoperoxides via electrophilic activation. Cleavage of the O-O bond provides 1,n-diols with differentiation of the hydroxy groups.