Simulation of the enzymatic function of cytochrome P-450 with transiti
on metal complex catalysts has resulted in finding biomimetic and cata
lytic oxidations of amines, amides, beta-lactams, alcohols, phenols an
d hydrocarbons by using ruthenium catalyst and peroxide. Further study
revealed that the catalytic formation of peracids in situ from aldehy
des and molecular oxygen enables the aerobic oxidation of beta-lactams
, alcohols, alkanes and ketones in the presence of metal catalyst unde
r mild conditions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.