Oxidation of benzyl alcohols to aldehydes and ketones under air in water using a polymer supported palladium catalyst

• A polymer supported palladium catalyst (Pd-pol) promoted the alcohol oxidation.
• Pd-pol was active in the oxidation of benzyl alcohols under air in water.
• The catalyst could be reused at least six times with negligible loss of activity.
• Pd leaching was analyzed in detail.
• The in situ formed supported Pd nanoparticles were the true active species.

This work deals with the catalytic conversion of benzyl alcohols to aldehydes or ketones using a polymer supported palladium catalyst which formed metal nanoparticles under reaction condition. The oxidation reaction was carried out on a series of substituted benzylic alcohols under air in water. The obtained results showed high selectivity also for the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes without over-oxidation products. In addition, the catalyst was recycled several times with negligible metal leaching into solution.

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