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Updated: Feb 18, 2026

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes
Published on: April 10, 2015
Oxidation of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons using Ruthenium-Ion-Catalyzed Oxidation: The Role of Aromatic Ring
Ewa Nowicka1, Tomos J Clarke1, Meenakshisundaram Sankar1
1Cardiff Catalysis Institute, School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
Abstract:
Oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons with differing numbers of fused aromatic rings (2-5), have been studied in two solvent environments (monophasic and biphasic) using ruthenium-ion-catalyzed oxidation (RICO). RICO reduces the aromaticity of the polyaromatic core of the molecule in a controlled manner by selective oxidative ring opening. Moreover, the nature of the solvent system determines the product type and distribution, for molecules with more than two aromatic rings. Competitive oxidation between substrates with different numbers of aromatic rings has been studied in detail. It was found that the rate of polyaromatic hydrocarbon oxidation increases with the number of fused aromatic rings. A similar trend was also identified for alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons. The proof-of-concept investigation provides new insight into selective oxidation chemistry for upgrading of polyaromatic molecules.
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