Aerobic alcohol oxidation catalyzed by a new, oxygen-bridged heterometallic compound [PPh4][Ru(N)Me2(μ2-O)2Pd((−)-sparteine)]

The reaction between the new hydroxy compound [PPh4][Ru(N)(OH)2Me2] and Pd(OSiMe3)2((−)-sparteine) produces (Me3Si)2O, H2O and a new heterobimetallic compound [PPh4][Ru(N)Me2(μ2-O)2Pd((−)-sparteine)] in good yield. The Ru/Pd bimetallic compound catalyzes the oxidation of aryl and allyl alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compound in air and the rearrangement of allylic alcohols unsaturated aldehydes. It also oxidizes PPh3 to O–PPh3 under O2.