Simple and clean synthesis of ketones from internal olefins using PdCl2/N,N-dimethylacetamide catalyst system

A simple catalytic system consisting of PdCl2 and N,N-dimethylacetamide enabled clean and selective synthesis of ketones from internal olefins using molecular oxygen. Various functionalized internal olefins were directly and regioselectively oxidized; C atoms of CC bonds far from substituted moieties were preferably oxidized.