Synthesis of benzil derivatives via oxidation of alkynes catalyzed by Pd–Fe3O4 heterodimer nanocrystals

Abstract

An efficient, iterative, catalytic, Wacker-type oxidation of alkynes to 1,2-diketones using a Pd–Fe₃O₄ heterodimer nanocrystalline catalyst has been developed. This process has a wide substrate scope and affords 1,2-diketo compounds in excellent yields under atmospheric conditions. The operational procedure using the Pd–Fe₃O₄ nanocatalyst is extremely easy, and the catalyst can be recovered by employing simple magnetic separation, enabling the recycling of the catalyst five times without loss of catalytic activity.