Evidence for the protiocatalytic nature of the diacetoxylation of alkenes using PhI(OAc)(2) as oxidant is presented. Systematic studies into the catalytic activity in the presence of proton-trapping and metal-complexing agents indicate that protons act as catalysts in the reaction. Using triflic acid as catalyst, the selectivity and reaction rate of the conversion is similar or superior to most efficient metal-based catalysts. Metal cations, such as Pd(II) and Cu(II), may interact with the oxidant in the initiation phase of the catalytic transformation; however, 1 equiv of strong acid is produced in the first cycle which then functions as the active catalyst. Based on a kinetic study as well as in situ mass spectrometry, a mechanistic cycle for the proton-catalyzed reaction, which is consistent with all experimental data presented in this work, is proposed.

Monolayer Ru atoms covered highly ordered porous Pd octahedra have been synthesized via the underpotential deposition and thermodynamic control. Shape evolution from concave nanocube to octahedron with six hollow cavities was observed. Using aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we provide quantitative evidence to prove that only a monolayer of Ru atoms was deposited on the surface of porous Pd octahedra. The as-prepared monolayer Ru atoms covered Pd nanostructures exhibited excellent catalytic property in terms of semihydrogenation of alkynes.

The first example organocatalyzed aerobic oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids in both organic solvent and water under mild conditions is developed. As low as 5 mol % N-hydroxyphthalimide was used as the organocatalyst, and molecular O 2 was used as the sole oxidant. No transition metals or hazardous oxidants or cocatalysts were involved. A wide range of carboxylic acids bearing diverse functional groups were obtained from aldehydes, even from alcohols, in high yields.

An enantioselective formal [3+3] annulation reaction of cyclic ketones with enones has been developed. In the presence of 20 mol % of pyrrolidine-thiourea 1a or N-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)trifluoromethanesulfonamide 1i, the reactions afford bicyclo [3.3.1] adducts in moderate to good yields with good to high enantioselectivities under mild conditions.