Synthesis of methyl ketones from terminal olefins using PdCl2/CrO3 system mimicking the Wacker process

An efficient synthesis of methyl ketones from terminal olefins using PdCl2/CrO3 system mimicking the Wacker process is developed. The method shows good functional groups compatibility, no aldehyde by-products and is operationally simple. CrO3 is the sole oxidant and replaces both Cu-salts and molecular oxygen, traditionally used in this process. The method holds potential for future applications in organic synthesis.