osmiumcatalyzed
Osmiumcatalyzed refers to chemical reactions that are facilitated by the presence of osmium, typically in the form of a transition metal catalyst. Osmium is a heavy, precious metal known for its catalytic activity in various organic transformations, particularly in oxidation reactions. The most well-known example is the osmiumcatalyzed dihydroxylation of alkenes, where osmium tetroxide (OsO4) is used to add two hydroxyl groups across a carbon-carbon double bond. This reaction is highly regioselective and stereoselective, often leading to the formation of vicinal diols with a specific spatial arrangement.
Osmium catalysts are employed due to their unique electronic properties, allowing them to participate in catalytic