Efficient and selective copper-catalyzed organic solvent-free and biphasic oxidation of aromatic gem-disubstituted alkenes to carbonyl compounds by tert-butyl hydroperoxide at room temperature

Copper-catalyzed alkene oxidation to carbonyl compounds by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) under organic solvent-free and biphasic conditions at room temperature is selective for the aromatic gem-disubstituted alkenes. Enhanced reactivity was observed in the presence of 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (neocuproine). The reaction is economically attractive because the yield is high, and separation of products and recycling of the catalyst are easy.