Controlled and Predictably Selective Oxidation of Activated and Unactivated C(sp3)–H Bonds Catalyzed by a Molybdenum-Based Metallomicellar Catalyst in Water

The synthesis of carbonyl derivatives from renewable feedstocks, by direct oxidation/functionalization of activated and unactivated C(sp3)–H bonds under a controlled and predictably selective fashion, especially in late stages, remains a formidable challenge. Herein, for the first time, cost-effective and widely applicable protocols for controlled and predictably selective oxidation of petroleum waste and feedstock ingredients like methyl-/alkylarenes to corresponding value-added carbonyls have been developed, using a surfactant-based oxodiperoxo molybdenum catalyst in water. The methodologies use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an environmentally benign green oxidant, and the reactions preclude the need of any external base, additive, or cocatalyst and can be operated under mild eco-friendly conditions. The developed protocols show a wide substrate scope and eminent functional group tolerance, especially oxidation-liable and reactive boronic acid groups. Upscaled multigram synthesis of complex steroid molecules by late-stage oxidation proves the robustness and practical utility of the current protocol since it employs an inexpensive recyclable catalyst and an easily available oxidant. A plausible mechanism has been proposed with the help of few controlled experiments and kinetic and computational studies.