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.     

[Sn(TPP)(BF4)2]: An efficient and reusable catalyst for chemoselective trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols with hexamethyldisilazane

Tin(IV)tetraphenylporphyrinato tetrafluoroborate, [Sn^IV(TPP)(BF₄)₂], was used as an efficient catalyst for trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). High-valent [Sn^IV(TPP)(BF₄)₂] catalyzes trimethylsilylation of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols as well as phenols, and the corresponding TMS-ethers were obtained in high yields and short reaction times at room temperature. While, under the same reaction conditions [Sn^IV(TPP)Cl₂] is less efficient to catalyze these reactions. One important feature of this catalyst is its ability in the chemoselective silylation of primary alcohols in the presence of secondary and tertiary alcohols and phenols. The catalyst was reused several times without loss of its catalytic activity.     

Selective tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols and phenols using titanium(IV) salophen trifluoromethanesulfonate as an efficient catalyst

Titanium(IV) salophen trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Ti^IV(salophen)(OSO₂CF₃)₂], as a catalyst enables selective tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols and phenols with 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran. Using this catalytic system, primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, as well as phenols, were converted to their corresponding tetrahydropyranyl ethers in high yields and short reaction times at room temperature. Investigation of the chemoselectivity of this method showed discrimination between the activity of primary alcohols in the presence of secondary and tertiary alcohols and phenols. This heterogenized catalyst could be reused several times without loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Oxidant-dependent selective oxidation of alcohols utilizing multinuclear copper-triethanolamine complexes

Multinuclear Cu(II)-triethanolamine complexes were employed as catalysts for the selective oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols using tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) and O₂/2,2′,6,6′-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO) system, respectively. The catalytic performances, especially in terms of selectivities, were oxidant-dependent in forming the corresponding carbonyl compounds as the major products. Excellent selectivities and moderate to good yields were obtained for the transformation of secondary alcohols to ketones in the case of TBHP and also for the conversion of benzylic primary alcohols to aldehydes in the case of O₂/TEMPO system.     

A Facile and Efficient Trimethylsilylation of Hydroxyl Groups Using Silica-Supported Zinc Chloride and Alumina-Supported Sodium Hydrogensulfate as Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalysts

Silica-supported zinc chloride (SiO₂-ZnCl₂) and novel alumina-supported sodium hydrogensulfate (NaHSO₄-Al₂O₃) as recyclable heterogeneous catalysts have been used for the mild trimethylsilylation of hydroxyl groups under ambient conditions. This procedure also allows for the selective protection of primary and secondary alcohols in the presence of tertiary alcohols.     

The Heck-type arylation of allylic alcohols with arenediazonium salts

The Heck coupling of ArN₂BF₄ with secondary allylic alcohols, carried out in methanol using Pd(dba)₂ as catalyst without extra ligands and base, leads to the corresponding β-arylated carbonyl compounds. Such conditions afford arylated acetals from primary allylic alcohols.     

(P2O5/SiO2): a useful heterogeneous alternative for the Ritter reaction

Tertiary alcohols as well as primary and secondary benzylic alcohols react efficiently with nitriles to give the corresponding amides in good to excellent yields in the presence of P₂O₅/SiO₂ (60% w/w).     

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.     

RuCl2(DMSO)4 catalyzes the β-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols through a hydrogen autotransfer process

The electrophilic β-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols is accomplished by a hydrogen autotransfer process catalyzed by RuCl₂(DMSO)₄. The reaction can produce either simple alkylated secondary alcohols or α,β-unsaturated ketones with good to excellent results just by choosing the appropriate starting secondary alcohol (methyl or longer chain secondary alcohol, respectively), as well as quinolines (by using 2-aminobenzyl alcohol).     

The “Borrowing Hydrogen Strategy” by Supported Ruthenium Hydroxide Catalysts: Synthetic Scope of Symmetrically and Unsymmetrically Substituted Amines

The N‐alkylation of ammonia (or its surrogates, such as urea, NH₄HCO₃, and (NH₄)₂CO₃) and amines with alcohols, including primary and secondary alcohols, was efficiently promoted under anaerobic conditions by the easily prepared and inexpensive supported ruthenium hydroxide catalyst Ru(OH)_x/TiO₂. Various types of symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted “tertiary” amines could be synthesized by the N‐alkylation of ammonia (or its surrogates) and amines with “primary” alcohols. On the other hand, the N‐alkylation of ammonia surrogates (i.e., urea and NH₄HCO₃) with “secondary” alcohols selectively produced the corresponding symmetrically substituted “secondary” amines, even in the presence of excess amounts of alcohols, which is likely due to the steric hindrance of the secondary alcohols and/or secondary amines produced. Under aerobic conditions, nitriles could be synthesized directly from alcohols and ammonia surrogates. The observed catalysis for the present N‐alkylation reactions was intrinsically heterogeneous, and the retrieved catalyst could be reused without any significant loss of catalytic performance. The present catalytic transformation would proceed through consecutive N‐alkylation reactions, in which alcohols act as alkylating reagents. On the basis of deuterium‐labeling experiments, the formation of the ruthenium dihydride species is suggested during the N‐alkylation reactions.     

Highly efficient and chemoselective trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) catalyzed by reusable electron-deficient [Ti(salophen)(OTf)2]

In the present work, highly efficient trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) catalyzed by high-valent [Ti^IV(salophen)(OTf)₂] is reported. Under these conditions, primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols as well as phenols were silylated in short reaction times and high yields. It is noteworthy that this method can be used for chemoselective silylation of primary alcohols in the presence of secondary and tertiary alcohols and phenols. The catalyst was reused several times without loss of its catalytic activity.     

Selective Acetylation of Primary Alcohols: Acetyl and Formyl Transfer Reactions with Copper(II) Salts

The efficient esterification of primary and secondary alcohols in acetic acid was achieved in the presence of Cu(NO₃)₂.3H₂O in high yields. Selective acetylation of primary in the presence of secondary hydroxyl groups in excellent yields were performed in EtOAc. Formylation of primary and secondary alcohols was also achieved easily in ethyl formate. High retention of configuration was observed in the acetylation and formylation of (-) menthol in the presence of Cu(NO₃)₂. 3H₂O and Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O.     

Single-Pot Synthesis of Alkyl-Substituted Quinolines and Indoles via Photoinduced Oxidation of Primary Alcohols

Single-pot synthesis of alkyl-substituted quinolines and indoles has been performed via photoinduced oxidation of primary aliphatic alcohols (C₂–C₅) and condensation of the aldehydes (products of the alcohols oxidation) with aniline under the action of iron-containing catalysts and inorganic oxidants. The synthesis was the most efficient in the presence of FeCl₃·6H₂O as catalyst and 10% aqueous solution of NaOCl as oxidant with irradiation by Hg lamp. The synthesis mechanism through photoinduced oxidation of primary aliphatic alcohol has been suggested.     

AlCl3 · 6H2O/KI/CH3CN/H2O: An Efficient and Versatile System for Chemoselective C–O Bond Cleavage and Formation of Halides and Carbonyl Compounds from Alcohols in Hydrated Media

AlCl₃ · 6H₂O/KI/CH₃CN/H₂O, an efficient and versatile system, cleaves the C–O bonds of esters, acetals, ethers, and oxathiolanes to the corresponding acids, alcohols, and carbonyl compounds chemoselectively at 80 °C in hydrated media with good yields. This system also converts the alcohols (primary/secondary) to halides and oxidizes the alcohols (primary/secondary) to the corresponding carbonyl compounds in the presence of DMSO.     

Palladium complex in a room temperature ionic liquid: a convenient recyclable reagent for catalytic oxidation

Palladium (Pd)-catalyzed carbonylation of alcohols proceeds in ionic liquid (IL) media (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate). Carbonylation of primary/secondary alcohols to aldehydes/ketones was greatly accelerated by the use of a Pd-based catalyst in the presence of NaOCl as an oxidant. The catalyst was more easier to recycle in the IL [Emim]PF₆ with an equal-proportioned CH₂Cl₂ than in the single CH₂Cl₂ or IL.     

Efficient and selective oxidation of alcohols with <Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-BuOOH catalyzed by a dioxomolybdenum(VI) Schiff base complex under organic solvent-free conditions

The catalytic activity of dioxidobis{2-[(E)-p-tolyliminomethyl]phenolato}molybdenum(VI) complex was studied, for the first time, in the selective oxidation of various primary and secondary alcohols using tert-BuOOH as oxidant under organic solvent-free conditions at room temperature. The effect of different solvents was studied in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol in this catalytic system. It was found that, under organic solvent-free conditions, the catalyst oxidized various primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding aldehyde or ketone derivatives with high yield. The effects of other parameters such as oxidant and amount of catalyst were also investigated. Among different oxidants such as H₂O₂, NaIO₄, tert-BuOOH, and H₂O₂/urea, tert-BuOOH was selected as oxygen donor in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Also, it was found that oxidation of benzyl alcohol required 0.02 mmol catalyst for completion. Dioxomolybdenum(VI) Schiff base complex exhibited good catalytic activity in the oxidation of alcohols with tert-BuOOH under mild conditions. In this catalytic system, different primary alcohols gave the corresponding aldehydes in good yields without further oxidation to carboxylic acids.     

Solvation of ethylmaltol and of its iron(III) complex

Summary Solubilities of tris(ethylmaltolato)iron(III) (ethylmaltol = 3-hydroxy-2-ethyl-4-pyrone) were measured in MeOH-H₂O, t-BuOH-H₂O and diol-H₂O mixtures, and in several primary alcohols. Solvation of the ethylmaltol ligand and of two 4-pyridinone analogues has been investigated through solubility measurements in MeOH- H₂O and in t-BuOH-H₂O mixtures, and in a series of primary alcohols. The solvation characteristics of these compounds are compared with those of the parent maltol, its iron(III) complex and a number of other nonelectrolytes.     

Aerobic oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds mediated by poly(ethylene glycol)-supported TEMPO radicals

Two poly(ethylene glycol)-supported TEMPO (PEG-TEMPO) has been successfully applied as soluble, recyclable catalysts in the chemoselective oxidation of primary and benzylic alcohols with molecular oxygen in the presence of Co(NO₃)₂ and Mn(NO₃)₂ as co-catalysts (Minisci's conditions). Under those conditions, secondary alcohols are also oxidized to ketones, although usually in lower yields. The insertion of a spacer between the PEG moiety and TEMPO has beneficial effects on both the activity and ease of recovery of the supported catalyst.     

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.     

A BINOL-terpyridine-based multi-task catalyst for a sequential oxidation and asymmetric alkylation of alcohols

Treatment of a BINOL-terpyridine compound with RuCl₃ generates a Ru(II) complex (R)-6. This complex is found to be a novel multi-task catalyst capable of conducting a sequential oxidation and asymmetric alkyl addition to convert primary alcohols to chiral secondary alcohols. The terpyridine-Ru(II) site of (R)-6 catalyzes an efficient oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes which then undergo an enantioselective alkylation to generate chiral secondary alcohols when the BINOL site of (R)-6 is combined with ZnEt₂ and Ti(OⁱPr)₄.