Solvent-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol over chromium orthoborate

The use of CrBO3 in the catalytic liquid phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BzOH) has been investigated for the first time. The reaction was performed under solvent-free conditions without employing any oxidant. Benzaldehyde (BzH), dibenzyl ether (DBzE) and benzyl benzoate (BzB) were obtained as the major reaction products. Influence of the reaction parameters (reaction time, temperature and the amount of catalyst) on the catalytic performance has been studied. A mechanism operating over acidic boron sites has been suggested.