Catalytic Oxidative Cleavage of Olefins Promoted by Osmium Tetroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide

H sub(2)O sub(2) was employed as the terminal oxidant in the OsO sub(4)-mediated oxidative cleavage of olefins, producing aldehyde and ketone products. Aryl olefins were cleaved in good to excellent yield. Alkyl olefins cleaved in moderate to good yield for di- and tri-substituted alkenes. The use of the more environmentally benign H sub(2)O sub(2) as the terminal oxidant in lieu of Oxone addresses concerns about the salt stream associated with the original protocol.