Relationships between the efficiency of cyclohexane oxidation and the electrochemical parameters of the reaction solution

Vanadyl(IV)-acetylacetonate-catalyzed oxidation of cyclohexane with H2O2, at 40 °C under air atmosphere, has been studied in the presence of small quantities of oxalic acid. The process efficiency is increased by this additive and depends on the nature of the solvent (MeCN ≥ MeOH > Me2CO ≥ 2-PrOH > EtOH). The relationships between the results (conversion, yield) and the electrochemical characteristics of the reaction solution (relative permittivity, redox-potential) are highlighted and discussed.

Graphical abstractC6H11OH + C6H10O + C6H11OOH yields vs Kirkwood parameters of the started reaction mixtures in the presence of VO(acac)2 (squares) or VO(acac)2 + oxalic acid (triangles) in MeCN (a), MeOH (b), Me2CO (c), 2-PrOH (d) and EtOH (e).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (91 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Efficient VO(acac)2-catalyzed cyclohexane oxidation by H2O2 under mild conditions. ► Promotion of the process by small amounts of oxalic acid. ► Efficiency dependence on the electrochemical characteristics of the reaction mixture.