Cationic Palladium(II) Complexes for Catalytic Wacker-Type Oxidation of Styrenes to Ketones Using O2 as the Sole Oxidant.

A series of new cationic palladium(II) complexes were prepared and studied for their ability to catalyze the Wacker-type oxidation of styrenes to their corresponding acetophenones using O₂ as the sole oxidant. Catalysts are active at room temperature and the study highlights the importance of solvent choice and the need for ligand development in improving catalyst performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]