Polyoxometalate compound: a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for aerobic alcohol oxidation

Oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones has been studied using atmospheric oxygen and a catalytic amount of Na6.3Fe0.9[AlMo11O39]·2H2O in toluene under heating (80 or 110 °C) in high yields. Secondary alcohols can be chemoselectively converted into ketones in the presence of primary hydroxyl groups.

Keggin-polyoxymetalate complex Na6.3Fe0.9[AlMo11O39]·2H2O was demonstrated to be an effective solid catalyst for the selective oxidation of alcohols in the presence of air as oxidant.