Chemists make molecules with less mess

In a step toward more environmentally benign chemistry, researchers have designed

a new catalyst that reduces pollution from a commercially important, century-old

chemical reaction.

Chemists use the reaction, called the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, to make classes

of molecules called esters and lactones. These, in turn, go into polymers,

pharmaceuticals, and fragrances.

In the new work, chemists found a way to substitute hydrogen peroxide for the

waste-producing acids now used in Baeyer-Villiger oxidation.