Fabrication of CuCr2O4 spinel nanoparticles: A potential catalyst for the selective oxidation of cycloalkanes via activation of Csp3–H bond

•High cyclohexanone yield was obtained.•Green oxidant H2O2 was used.•Environmentally benignity was reflected in this catalytic system.•The catalyst could be recycled several times.

We report here preparation of CuCr2O4 spinel nanoparticle catalyst, mediated by cationic surfactant CTAB in hydrothermal route. XRD revealed the formation of CuCr2O4 spinel phase and TEM showed the particle size of 30–60 nm. The catalyst was speculated to be highly active for selective oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone with H2O2. A cyclohexane conversion of 70% with 85% cyclohexanone selectivity was achieved over this catalyst at 50 °C temperature. Moreover, the catalyst did not show any significant activity loss even after 8 reuses and proved its efficacy in the oxidation of other cycloalkanes also.

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