Highly efficient alcohol oxidation catalyzed by palladium(II)–alkylamine complexes using atmospheric molecular oxygen

Two series of palladium(II)–alkylamine (Pd(Me2NCn)2(OAc)2, Me2NCn: N,N′-dimethylalkylamine, n = 4, 8, 12, and 16) and palladium(II)-N,N′-dialkylamine (Pd(Cn2NH)2(OAc)2, Cn2NH: N,N′-dialkylamine, n = 4, 8, and 12) were prepared. These homogeneous Pd complexes catalyzed the aerobic oxidation of wide range of alcohols into the corresponding aldehydes and ketones efficiently. For example, a benzylalcohol oxidation proceeded rapidly by means of Pd(Me2NC12)2(OAc)2 with an excellent turnover frequency of up to 96 h−1.

Graphical abstractTwo series of palladium(II)–alkylamine (Pd(Me2NCn)2(OAc)2, Me2 NCn: N,N’-dimethylalkylamine, n = 4, 8, 12, and 16) and palladium(II)-N,N’-dialkylamine (Pd(Cn2NH)2(OAc)2, Cn2NH: N,N’-dialkylamine, n = 4, 8, and 12) were prepared. These homogeneous Pd complexes catalyzed the aerobic oxidation efficiently, for example, a benzylalcohol oxidation proceeded rapidly by means of Pd(Me2NC12)2(OAc)2 with an excellent turnover frequency of as high as 96 h−1. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide