Synthesis of an oligomer ruthenium complex and its catalysis in the oxidation of alcohols

A ligand with both a terpyridine and a pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate group (abbreviated as terpy–pydic) was designed and synthesized. This ligand reacted with [Ru(p-cymene)Cl₂]₂ to afford a novel oligomer ruthenium complex named as oligomer-Ru(terpy)(pydic) which was characterized thoroughly. Under the catalysis of this oligomer ruthenium complex, different sorts of secondary alcohols were oxidized to the corresponding kenones by the oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Besides, this catalyst can be readily recovered and recycled several times without a large loss of its efficiency.