Selective benzylic oxidation of alkylaromatics over Cu/SBA-15 catalysts under solvent-free conditions

With the purpose of benzylic oxidation of alkylaromatics into corresponding ketones selectively under solvent-free conditions, cheap, simple and versatile Cu/SBA-15 catalyst system with the Cu loading of 5, 10, 15 and 20% has been prepared by impregnating SBA-15 support. Among Cu/SBA-15 catalysts, 10%Cu/SBA-15 exhibited superior activity and selectivity.