A method for the regioselective transformation of dienes to carbonyl compounds has been developed. Electron-rich olefins react selectively to yield valuable aldehydes and ketones. The method is based on the catalyst [Fe(OTf)2(mix-BPBP)] with an oxidant combination of H2O2 (1.0 equiv.) and NaIO4 (1.5 equiv.); it uses mild conditions and short reaction times, and it outperforms other olefin cleavage methodologies. The combination of an Fe-based catalyst, [Fe(OTf)2(mix-BPBP)], and the oxidants H2O2 and NaIO4 can discriminate between electronically different double bonds and oxidatively cleave the electron-rich bond in dienes to yield aldehydes and ketones in a regioselective manner. The reaction requires mild conditions (0-50 C) and short reaction times (70 min).
