Co3O4-decorated carbon nanotubes as a novel efficient catalyst in the selective oxidation of benzoins

An efficient and facile air oxidation of benzoins in the presence of the heterogeneous catalyst, Co3O4–CNTs nanocomposite, has been developed. It thus constitutes a very simple, clean, economical and selective method for the aerobic preparation of benzils from the corresponding benzoins. The catalyst can be re-used a number of times without losing its catalytic activity to a greater extent.

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