Hydrogen transfer type oxidation of alcohols by rhodium and ruthenium catalyst under microwave irradiation

Secondary alcohols were converted into the corresponding ketones by methyl acrylate and rhodium catalyst efficiently under microwave irradiation. Treatment of primary alcohols with the same condition resulted in the recovery of the starting materials. Primary alcohols were converted into aldehydes by hydrogen transfer reaction using methyl vinyl ketone and ruthenium catalyst under microwave irradiation.