Bimetallic Cu-Pd nanoparticles supported on bio-silica as efficient catalyst for selective aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols

Abstract

A new bimetallic heterogeneous catalyst consisting in copperand palladium nanoparticles supported on bio-silica is presented. The useof TEMPO as co-catalyst allowed the aerobic oxidation of primary benzylicalcohols into the corresponding aldehydes with excellent selectivity andgood activity. The methodology could be applied to the oxidation of allylicand heterobenzylic alcohols. The catalyst is easy to prepare fromcommercial starting materials and can be recovered and reused withoutapparent loss of activity.