Vanadyl sulfate: A simple catalyst for oxidation of alcohols with molecular oxygen in combination with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidyl-1-oxyl

Inexpensive vanadyl sulfate was developed in combination with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO) for catalytic oxidation of alcohols with molecular oxygen. A wide range of alcohols were oxidized to the corresponding carbonyl compounds in good conversions under mild conditions. No ligands or extra bases were used. Acetonitrile was the suitable solvent to keep the high activity of this system.