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 a new heterobimetallic compound [PPh4][Ru(N)Me2(μ2-O)2Pd((−)-sparteine)]. 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.