Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols to Aldehydes with a Salophen Copper(II) Complex and tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide at Room Temperature

Abstract

An efficient and selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols has been developed using a salophen copper(II) complex as the catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant in the presence of base. Moderate to excellent yields of the corresponding benzaldehydes were obtained at room temperature without the carboxylic acids being formed.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Benzyl alcohols
• salophen copper(II) complex
• selective oxidation