Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Selective and Efficient Oxygenation of Hydrocarbons with Water as an Oxygen Source

Water is not only the solvent but also the sole oxygen source in the smooth and efficient oxidation of organic compounds catalyzed by a RuII–pyridylamine–aqua complex with CeIV as the oxidant. An intermediate-spin RuIV–oxo complex is formed as the reactive species (see scheme; Sub=substrate). This catalytic system is durable and able to gain high turnover numbers for various substrates.