Catalytic Oxidations of Alkynes by hydrogen peroxide

Catalytic oxidations of alkynes by dilute hydrogen peroxide are performed in dioxane and in a two phase dichloroethane/water system utilizing sodium molybdate or tun state salts in the presence of mercuric acetate or trifluoroacetate. Internal alkynes display low reactivity in both solven systems, whereas terminal alkynes are fast oxidized in the two phase system. One less carbon atom carboxylic acids or alpha-ketoacids are formed depending on the nature of the metal and of the extracting agent.