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.