Oxidation of alkanols into “symmetric” esters with the system Ce(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>—LiBr

A method for the synthesis of “symmetric” esters based on the oxidation of primary straight-and iso-chain aliphatic alcohols C₆ —C₁₁ with the system Ce(SO₄)₂—LiBr in water has been suggested.     

Oxidation of primary and secondary alkanols with the CeIII-LiBr-H2O2 system

Action of a novel oxidation system, Ce(NO₃)₃·6H₂O (cat.)-LiBr (cat.)-H₂O₂ (stoichiometric oxidant) on primary aliphatic C₆–C₉ alcohols gives selectively esters, whereas secondary aliphatic C₅–C₉ alcohols are converted into ketones. Selectivity of these transformations is provided by slow addition of H₂O₂ to the other reactants.     

Studies on the role of oxidation states of the platinum surface in electrocatalytic oxidation of small primary alcohols

The role of the oxidation state of a platinum polycrystalline surface in the electrocatalytic oxidation of C₁ to C₄ primary alcohols has been studied by using electrochemical techniques, in situ FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results revealed that the oxidation state of the Pt surface plays a key role in the oxidation of primary alcohols, and demonstrated that the oxidation of C₁ to C₄ primary alcohols on a Pt electrode is controlled by the formation of surface oxides on the Pt electrode at different potentials. It was found that the dependence of the reaction process on the oxidation states of the platinum surface yielded similar features in the cyclic voltammogram for oxidation of different primary alcohols at a Pt electrode. According to the effects in the oxidation of primary alcohols, the surface oxides of platinum may be classified as active and poison species. The Pt surface oxides of higher oxidation states (Pt(OH)₃ and PtO₂) formed at potentials above 1.0 V (SCE) were identified as poison species, while other lower oxidation states of Pt surface oxides such as PtOH, Pt(OH)₂ and PtO may be identified as the possible active species for primary alcohol oxidation.     

Reaction gas chromatography: Study of the photodecomposition of selected substances

Summary A simple apparatus that permits to carry out photolytic reactions in direct connection with a gas chromatograph has been designed. The photodecomposition of C₅–C₇ aliphatic alkanes, C₁–C₅ primary, secondary and tertiary aliphatic alcohols and of some other substances was studied using this apparatus. The degradation products are characteristic of the individual types of alcohols. The identification of the individual types of alcohols. The identification of the degradation products confirms the proposed schemes for the photodegradation reactions. The apparatus described can also be used for the study of photolysis kinetics, as it permits the easy and rapid variation of the reaction conditions.     

Electrochemistry Broadens the Scope of Flavin Photocatalysis: Photoelectrocatalytic Oxidation of Unactivated Alcohols

Riboflavin‐derived photocatalysts have been extensively studied in the context of alcohol oxidation. However, to date, the scope of this catalytic methodology has been limited to benzyl alcohols. In this work, mechanistic understanding of flavin‐catalyzed oxidation reactions, in either the absence or presence of thiourea as a cocatalyst, was obtained. The mechanistic insights enabled development of an electrochemically driven photochemical oxidation of primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols using a pair of flavin and dialkylthiourea catalysts. Electrochemistry makes it possible to avoid using O₂ and an oxidant and generating H₂O₂ as a byproduct, both of which oxidatively degrade thiourea under the reaction conditions. This modification unlocks a new mechanistic pathway in which the oxidation of unactivated alcohols is achieved by thiyl radical mediated hydrogen‐atom abstraction.     

Simple and Efficient Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Primary Alcohols with Molecular Oxygen

Oxidative transformations utilizing molecular oxygen (O₂) as the stoichiometric oxidant are of paramount importance in organic synthesis from ecological and economical perspectives. Alcohol oxidation reactions that employ O₂ are scarce in homogeneous catalysis and the efficacy of such systems has been constrained by limited substrate scope (most involve secondary alcohol oxidation) or practical factors, such as the need for an excess of base or an additive. Catalytic systems employing O₂ as the “primary” oxidant, in the absence of any additive, are rare. A solution to this longstanding issue is offered by the development of an efficient ruthenium‐catalyzed oxidation protocol, which enables smooth oxidation of a wide variety of primary, as well as secondary benzylic, allylic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic, alcohols with molecular oxygen as the primary oxidant and without any base or hydrogen‐ or electron‐transfer agents. Most importantly, a high degree of selectivity during alcohol oxidation has been predicted for complex settings. Preliminary mechanistic studies including ¹⁸O labeling established the in situ formation of an oxo–ruthenium intermediate as the active catalytic species in the cycle and involvement of a two‐electron hydride transfer in the rate‐limiting step.     

Electron properties of the system of Ni on kieselguhr

The electron properties of industrial nickel-kieselguhr catalyst under the action of reaction, oxidation, and reduction media are analyzed. As was determined after in situ conductometric studies of the surface of Ni/kieselguhr industrial catalyst, the electron properties on the Ni/NiO/SiO₂ interface change, due to the nature of both phases: the surface of the catalyst and the given medium (C₁–C₄ aliphatic alcohols, oxygen or hydrogen). The mechanism of the observed changes, which determine the activity of Ni/kieselguhr catalyst in the transformations of aliphatic alcohols, is considered.     

Efficient chemoselective alcohol oxidation using oxygen as oxidant. Superior performance of gold over palladium catalysts

Gold nanoparticles supported on nanocrystalline ceria (Au/CeO₂) is a general, air- and moisture-stable, commercial catalyst for the atmospheric pressure, solventless oxidation of aromatic, primary and secondary alcohols to the corresponding benzaldehyde or ketone compound. Aliphatic primary alcohols are oxidized to the corresponding alkyl ester and aliphatic secondary alcohols are oxidized to ketones. Conversions and product yields are in most of the cases excellent. The oxidizing reagent and the experimental conditions are almost ideal from the environmental point of view. Comparison with analogous ceria supported and hydroxyapatite-supported palladium catalysts, Au/CeO₂ clearly shows the superior performance of Au/CeO₂ in terms of higher chemoselectivity. In contrast to palladium catalysts that promote CC double isomerization, Au/CeO₂ oxidizes selectively allylic alcohols to conjugated ketones.     

Solvent-free oxidation of aliphatic alcohols with ceric ammonium nitrate—lithium bromide system

Esters are formed during the solvent-free oxidation of primary aliphatic C₅–C₉ alcohols with Ce(NH₄)₂(NO₃)₆–LiBr, whereas secondary octan-2-ol gives a mixture of isomeric 1-and 3-bromooctan-2-ones. Dedicated to Academician V. A. Tartakovsky in honor of his 75th anniversary. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 8, pp. 1445—1450, August, 2007.     

Remarkable reactivity of pyridinium chlorochromate adsorbed on neutral alumina under solvent-free conditions

Pyridinium chlorochromate adsorbed on neutral alumina (PCC-Al₂O₃) under solvent-free conditions has been found to oxidize primary aliphatic alcohols to alkyl alkanoates whereas primary benzylic and primary allylic alcohols produce the corresponding aldehydes. Secondary aliphatic and aromatic alcohols produce ketones without isomerization and polymerization of double bonds, overoxidation and other side-reactions.     

Kinetics of the reactions of tert-butanol with C2-C5 alcohols on sulfo cation exchangers

The kinetics of etherification of tert-butanol with aliphatic alcohols on gel KU-2×8 and macroporous KU-23 sulfo cation exchangers was studied. The first order of reaction with respect to tert-butanol and the -CSO₃H groups of a catalyst was established. The activation energy of the process observed on KU-2×8 was 60–95 kJ/mol. It was shown that the etherification of tert-butanol on KU-2×8 occurred in a surface layer. The reactivity of primary alcohols introduced into the reaction with tert-butanol increased with their molecular weights (C₂–C₅). The rate of reaction with secondary alcohols was lower than that with primary alcohols.     

Solid Base Bi24O31Br10(OH)δ with Active Lattice Oxygen for the Efficient Photo‐Oxidation of Primary Alcohols to Aldehydes

The selective oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes by O₂ instead of stoichiometric oxidants (for example, Mn^VII, Cr^VI, and Os^IV) is an important but challenging process. Most heterogeneous catalytic systems (thermal and photocatalysis) require noble metals or harsh reaction conditions. Here we show that the Bi₂₄O₃₁Br₁₀(OH)_δ photocatalyst is very efficient in the selective oxidation of a series of aliphatic (carbon chain from C₁ to C₁₀) and aromatic alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes/ketones under visible‐light irradiation in air at room temperature, which would be challenging for conventional thermal and light‐driven processes. High quantum efficiencies (71 % and 55 % under 410 and 450 nm irradiation) are reached in a representative reaction, the oxidation of isopropanol. We propose that the outstanding performance of the Bi₂₄O₃₁Br₁₀(OH)_δ photocatalyst is associated with basic surface sites and active lattice oxygen that boost the dehydrogenation step in the photo‐oxidation of alcohols.     

Palladium-catalyzed oxidation of lower aliphatic alcohols with oxygen in the presence of aromatic nitriles in aqueous medium

The kinetics of oxidation of lower aliphatic alcohols (C₁–C₄) to the corresponding carbonyl compounds with oxygen in the presence of palladium(II) tetraaqua complex and aromatic nitriles (benzonitrile, phenylacetonitrile, and o-tolunitrile) in aqueous medium (c = 0.01 M) at 65°C under atmospheric pressure were studied. A probable reaction mechanism and kinetic equation were proposed. Aromatic nitriles were found to stabilize decomposition of low-valence palladium species, ensuring activation of molecular oxygen and subsequent oxidation of alcohols.     

A remarkable effect of ionic liquids in transition-metal-free aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols

The transition-metal-free aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols is uniquely accelerated by a 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMI-PF₆)/PhCF₃ biphasic system and Cs₂CO₃ to afford the corresponding ketones in good yields. The reaction system is also applicable to an oxidative cross-esterification of primary benzyl alcohols with a higher aliphatic alcohol.     

Polystyrene‐Supported (Catecholato)oxorhenium Complexes: Catalysts for Alcohol Oxidation with DMSO and for Deoxygenation of Epoxides to Alkenes with Triphenylphosphine

Polymer‐supported catalysts offer practical advantages for organic synthesis, such as improved product isolation, ease of catalyst recycling, and compatibility with parallel solution‐phase techniques. We have developed the (carboxypolystyrene‐catecholato)rhenium catalyst 2 derived from tyramine (=4‐(2‐aminoethyl)phenol), which is effective for alcohol oxidation with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and for epoxide deoxygenation with triphenylphosphine. The supported [Re(catecholato)]catalyst 2 is air‐ and moisture‐stable and can be recovered and used repeatedly without decreasing activity. The procedures work with non‐halogenated solvents (toluene). DMSO for Re‐catalyzed alcohol oxidation is inexpensive and safer for transport and storage than commonly used peroxide reagents. The oxidation procedure was best suited for aliphatic alcohols, and the mild conditions were compatible with unprotected functional groups, such as those of alkenes, phenols, nitro compounds, and ketones (see Tables 1 and 2). Selective oxidation of secondary alcohols in the presence of primary alcohols was possible, and with longer reaction time, primary alcohols were converted to aldehydes without overoxidation. Epoxides (oxirans) were catalytically deoxygenated to alkenes with this catalyst and Ph₃P (see Table 3). Alkyloxiranes were converted to the alkenes with retention of configuration, while partial isomerization was observed in the deoxygenation of cis‐stilbene oxide ( cis‐1,2‐diphenyloxirane). These studies indicate that supported [Re(catecholato)] complexes are effective catalysts for O‐atom‐transfer reactions, and are well suited for applications in organic synthesis.     

Magtrieve™: a convenient catalyst for the oxidation of alcohols

We find that Magtrieve™ (CrO₂) catalyzes the oxidation of a wide variety of alcohols with periodic acid as the terminal oxidant. Mild conditions, short reaction times, and facile aqueous work-up make this a most attractive method. Olefins are not oxidized under these conditions; thus alcohols react selectively in the presence of alkenes. Conditions have been optimized with respect to catalyst loading, solvent, and co-oxidant; and the scope of the reaction includes primary and secondary benzylic, allylic, and aliphatic alcohols.     

Catalytic hydrogen transfer over magnesia, IXa. reduction of long chain aliphatic ketones by 2-propanol

A series of symmetrical long chain aliphatic ketones of general formula CH₃−(CH₂)_n-CO-(CH₂)₂−CH₃, where n=4,5,6,7 and 8, has been used as hydrogen acceptors from 2-propanol at 573–723 K in the presence of MgO catalyst under flow conditions. The yeilds of the appropriate alcohols exceeded 50%. Above 623 K the consecutive dehydration of the alcohols formed took place with moderate yields leading to internal alkenes. The direct one-step synthesis of C₁₃ alkene from 7-tridecanone has been realized under catalytic transfer reduction (CTR) conditions with high yield (>90%) over a MgO catalyst of enhanced acidity. Part VIII: Appl. Catal. A.:General,150, 77 (1997)     

Cobalt(II) catalyzed tosylation of alcohols with p-toluenesulfonic acid

Cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl₂·6H₂O) has been found to catalyze the tosylation of both aliphatic and aromatic alcohols with p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH) in high yields in 1,2-dichloroethane under reflux (ca. 80 °C). In the case of aliphatic alcohols, secondary alcohols undergo tosylation chemoselectively in the presence of primary hydroxy groups.     

MOF-Stabilized Perfluorinated Palladium Cages Catalyze the Additive-Free Aerobic Oxidation of Aliphatic Alcohols to Acids

Extremely high electrophilic metal complexes, composed by a metal cation and very electron poor σ-donor ancillary ligands, are expected to be privileged catalysts for oxidation reactions in organic chemistry. However, their low lifetime prevents any use in catalysis. Here we show the synthesis of fluorinated pyridine-Pd²⁺ coordinate cages within the channels of an anionic tridimensional metal-organic framework (MOF), and their use as efficient metal catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of aliphatic alcohols to carboxylic acids without any additive. Mechanistic studies strongly support that the MOF-stabilized coordination cage with perfluorinated ligands unleashes the full electrophilic potential of Pd²⁺ to dehydrogenate primary alcohols, without any base, and also to activate O₂ for the radical oxidation to the aldehyde intermediate. This study opens the door to design catalytic perfluorinated complexes for challenging organic transformations, where an extremely high electrophilic metal site is required.     

The Neutral Part of the Bark of Pinus Taiwanensis Hayata

The neutral part of the acetone extract from the bark of Pinus taiwanensis Hayata has been Investigated and found to consist of alkanes (C₁₄-C₃₃), longifolene, aliphatic esters (C₄₂, C₄₄, C₄₉), aliphatic alcohols (C₂₄, C₂₆), 3β-21α-dimethoxyserrat-14-enc, 3β-methoxyserrat-14-en-21-one, β-sitosterol, 3β-methoxyserrat-14-en-21ã-ol and 3β-hydroxyserrat-14-en-21-one.