Green conversion of alcohols to carbonyls catalyzed by novel ruthenium-Schiff base-triphenylphosphine complexes

A series of new RuII-Schiff base complexes of containing Ph3P has been prepared and characterized. The complexes have been used as catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols in [EMIM]Cl ionic liquid–NaOCl system. Higher catalytic activity was found for RuL1. A plausible mechanism has been proposed.

Graphical AbstractRuthenium (II)-Schiff base complexes with triphenylphosphine were effective in the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols in ethyl–methyl–imidazolium ionic liquid medium in the presence of NaOCl.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Short reaction time of 30 min.
► An approach towards green synthesis.
► A variety of alcohols were selectively oxidized to their corresponding carbonyl compounds.