Selective oxidation of alcohols over copper zirconium phosphate

The catalytic activity of copper zirconium phosphate (ZPCu) in the selective oxidation of alcohols to their corresponding ketones or aldehydes, using H₂O₂ as an oxidizing agent, was studied. The oxidation reaction was performed without any organic solvent, phase-transfer catalyst, or additive. Steric factors associated with the substrates influenced the reaction. The catalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that the interlayer distance increased from 0.74 to 0.80 nm and the crystallinity was reduced after Cu²⁺ intercalation into the layers. This catalyst can be recovered and reused three times without significant loss of activity and selectivity.