Ruthenium/magnesium–lanthanum mixed oxide: An efficient reusable catalyst for oxidation of alcohols by using molecular oxygen

An efficient method for the oxidation of benzylic and secondary aromatic alcohols into their corresponding aldehydes or ketones has been achieved by using ruthenium supported magnesium–lanthanum mixed oxide as a heterogeneous catalyst in toluene, with molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant. This catalyst can also be operated in solvent free conditions at 393 K and reused for five cycles with consistent yield and selectivity.

An efficient method for the oxidation of benzylic and secondary aromatic alcohols into aldehydes or ketones has been achieved by using ruthenium supported magnesium–lanthanum mixed oxide as a heterogeneous catalyst in toluene, with molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (128 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Ru/Mg–LaO catalyst shows high efficiency in the oxidation of benzylic and secondary aromatic alcohols.
► The high basicity of Mg–LaO mixed oxide plays an important role as a support for Ru in oxidation of alcohols.
► The catalyst can be used for five cycles with consistent activity and selectivity.