Ruthenium catalyzed biomimetic oxidation in organic synthesis inspired by cytochrome P-450

Simulation of the function of cytochrome P-450 with low valent ruthenium complex catalysts leads to the discovery of biomimetic, catalytic oxidation of various substrates selectively under mild conditions. The reactions discussed in this tutorial review are simple, clean, and practical. The principle of these reactions is fundamental and gives wide- scope and environmentally benign future practical methods.