Liquid phase catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde over vanadium phosphate catalyst

Vanadium phosphate (VPO) is well known as a heterogeneous catalyst in gas phase oxidation reactions. Till date, this material has not drawn much attention for its application in liquid phase reactions. This paper briefly highlights our recent research on vanadyl metaphosphate concerning its fabrication, characterization and application towards liquid phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant. In our preliminary catalytic studies, we find that the VO(PO3)2 exhibits extraordinarily high activity and selectivity in oxidation of benzyl alcohol under mild conditions. The benzyl alcohol conversion is largely increased but the selectivity for benzaldehyde is slightly decreased with the increase in reaction period or temperature. The present catalyst VO(PO3)2 showed remarkable catalytic activity with respect to other catalytic system; conversion and selectivity with respect to aldehyde is 97 and 99%, respectively.

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► VO(H2PO4)2 as catalyst precursor.
► The adsorption of polar molecules on the catalyst surface is usually temporary.
► The present catalyst VO(PO3)2 has shown remarkable catalytic activity.
► The influence of reaction temperature on benzyl alcohol conversion is very strong.