Catalytic oxidation of THF with homo and hetero metallic Mo/Ru complexes and molecular oxygen

The novel complex Ind(CO)3Mo–Ru(CO)2Cp (1) (Ind=η5-indenyl,Cp=η5-cyclopentadienyl), as well as other hetero and homo metallic complexes of molybdenum and ruthenium are catalyst precursors in the aerobic oxidation of THF under ambient conditions. Selectivities towards γ-butyrolactone of up to 70% are obtained. For the first time in this transformation, propylformate is isolated besides the lactone.