Catalysis and organometallic chemistry of rhodium and iridium in the oxidation of organic substrates

The purpose of this chapter is to present a survey of the organometallic chemistry and catalysis of rhodium and iridium related to the oxidation of organic substrates that has been developed over the last 5 years, placing special emphasis on reactions or processes involving environmentally friendly oxidants. Iridium-based catalysts appear to be promising candidates for the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes/ketones as products or as intermediates for heterocyclic compounds or domino reactions. Rhodium complexes seem to be more appropriate for the oxygenation of alkenes. In addition to catalytic allylic and benzylic oxidation of alkenes, recent advances in vinylic oxygenations have been focused on stoichiometric reactions. This review offers an overview of these reactions as well as some comments on key questions related to achieving the desired C – O bond formation.We are grateful to the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (MEC/FEDER) and the Government of Aragón (DGA) for generous financial support (projects CTQ2005-06807/BQU) and (PIP019/2005), respectively.Peer reviewe