Selective oxidation of alcohols over copper zirconium phosphate

The catalytic activity of copper zirconium phosphate (ZPCu) in the selective oxidation of alcohols to their corresponding ketones or aldehydes, using H2O2 as an oxidizing agent, was studied. The oxidation reaction was performed without any organic solvent, phase-transfer catalyst, or additive. Steric factors associated with the substrates influenced the reaction. The catalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that the interlayer distance increased from 0.74 to 0.80 nm and the crystallinity was reduced after Cu2+ intercalation into the layers. This catalyst can be recovered and reused three times without significant loss of activity and selectivity.

Graphical AbstractCopper zirconium phosphate was prepared and used as an efficient catalyst for the selective oxidation of various alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones, in good yields and with excellent selectivities.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide