We have developed a Wacker-Tsuji-Type oxidation reaction of styrene derivatives catalyzed by a bench-stable ferrate. This oxidation reaction, which uses molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant and 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS) as a reductant, can realize the oxidation of styrene derivatives to ketones in good yield. In addition, this ferrate-based system can achieve the cleavage of the CÀ C double bond of α-phenyl-substituted styrene derivatives, providing the one-carbon-degraded ketones in good yield.

Bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium tetrachloroferrate, (PPN)[FeCl 4 ] (1), was evaluated as a catalyst for cross-coupling reactions. 1 exhibits high stability toward air and moisture and is an effective catalyst for the reaction of secondary alkyl halides with aryl Grignard reagents. The PPN cation is considered as an innocent counterpart to the iron center. We have developed an easy-tohandle iron catalyst for "ligand-free" cross-coupling reactions.