The oxidation of pyridine and alcohol using the Keggin-type lacunary polytungstophosphate as a temperature-controlled phase transfer catalyst

A novel temperature-controlled phase transfer catalyst of [(C18H37)2(CH3)2N]7[PW11O39] has been developed for the oxidation of pyridines and alcohols with hydrogen peroxide. The reactions were conducted in 1,4-dioxane, and high yields of the corresponding heterocyclic N-oxides and ketones were obtained under relative mild conditions. The catalyst could be easily recovered and reused after reaction with cooling. There was no discernable loss in activity and selectivity after several reaction cycles.

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► A novel temperature-controlled phase transfer catalyst was prepared.
► This catalyst showed good activity in the oxidation of pyridines and alcohols.
► The catalyst could be easily recovered and reused after reaction.