Efficient aerobic oxidation of alcohols using a novel combination N-hydroxy phthalimide (NHPI) and a recyclable heterogeneous cobalt complex

A novel combination between N-hydroxy phthalimide (NHPI) and a silica based cobalt (II) interphase catalyst (1) efficiently catalyzes the aerobic oxidation of various types of alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds. The catalyst 1 shows high thermal stability and also could be recovered and reused in combination with NHPI for at least five reaction cycles without considerable loss of reactivity.