Mild and efficient strontium chloride hexahydrate-catalyzed conversion of ketones and aldehydes into corresponding gem-dihydroperoxides by aqueous H2O2.

SrCl2 x 6 H2O has been shown to act as an efficient catalyst for the conversion of aldehydes or ketones into the corresponding gem-dihydroperoxides (DHPs) by treatment with aqueous H2O2 (30%) in acetonitrile. The reactions proceed under mild and neutral conditions at room temperature to afford good to excellent yields of product.