Selective benzylic oxidation of alkyl substituted aromatics to ketones over Ag/SBA-15 catalysts

Benzylic and cycloalkane CH bonds have selectively been oxidized into corresponding ketones with t-BuOOH over Ag/SBA-15 catalysts, which were prepared by varying the loading of Ag (2, 4, 6 and 8% by weight) on SBA-15 support using an impregnation method. The retention of mesoporous structural ordering and crystalline behavior of Ag have been confirmed by N2 adsorption and XRD studies. 4Ag/SBA-15 catalyst is found to be the best catalyst among the Ag/SBA-15 series. The influence of various parameters such as oxidant, solvent, temperature and time of reaction etc. have been systematically studied on Ag/SBA-15 catalyst.

Graphical abstractSelective oxidation of benzylic and cycloalkane CH bonds into corresponding ketones have been accomplished with t-BuOOH under solvent-free conditions using an eco-friendly catalyst Ag/SBA-15.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► New applications of Ag/SBA-15. ► Eco-friendly catalyst for benzylic oxidation. ► Highly active and selective catalyst. ► High yields of ketones under mild conditions.