The present invention is directed to methods for oxidizing internal olefins to ketones. In various embodiments, each method comprising contacting an organic substrate, having an initial internal olefin, with a mixture of (a) a biscationic palladium salt; and (b) an oxidizing agent; dissolved or dispersed in a solvent system to form a reaction mixture, said solvent system comprising at least one C2-6 carbon nitrile and optionally at least one secondary alkyl amide, said method conducted under conditions sufficient to convert at least 50 mol % of the initial internal olefin to a ketone, said ketone positioned on a carbon of the initial internal olefin. The transformation occurs at room temperature and shows wide substrate scope. Applications to the oxidation of seed oil derivatives and a bioactive natural product are described.