Copper-mediated aerobic oxidative cleavage of α,β-unsaturated ketones to 1,2-diketones

The copper-mediated aerobic oxidative cleavage of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones to synthesize 1,2-diketones by using potassium acetate as a catalyst and sodium iodide as a promoter in acetic acid is described. The protocol has the advantages of using inexpensive and non-toxic raw materials, high yield and simple work-up procedure.