Catalytic behavior of a magnesium oxide supported polysilazane-ruthenium complex for the oxidation of indene with molecular oxygen to indanones

A new magnesium oxide supported polysilazane ruthenium complex has been prepared and found to be capable of catalyzing the oxygenation of indene in 62.9% conversion to indanones without by-products under mild conditions, i.e. 1 atm oxygen and 80°C. The supported ruthenium complex was effective without need for a cocatalyst. Also, it can be reused several times without apparent loss of activity.