Aerobic oxidation of secondary pyridine-derivative alcohols in the presence of carbon-supported noble metal catalysts

► Pt/C and PtBi/C catalysts for aerobic oxidation of secondary aromatic alcohols. ► Dioxane/water solvent drastically improved activity compared to dioxane. ► PtBi/C catalysts more active than Pt/C catalysts. ► Total conversion of α-phenyl-2-pyridinemethanol to 2-benzoylpyridine with 96% selectivity.