Fast selective oxidation of alcohols under solvent-free conditions

A combination of acetic anhydride, H₂SO₄-nano silica, wet-SiO₂ (60 %), and K₂Cr₂O₇ as a new oxidizing system for the selective oxidation of different types of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones at room temperature under solvent-free conditions is introduced. Mild reaction conditions, high yields of the products, short reaction time, no further oxidation to the corresponding carboxylic acid, and easy work-up make this new system a useful method for oxidizing alcohols.