Aqueous oxidation of alcohols catalysed by recoverable iron oxide nanoparticles supported on aluminosilicates

Abstract

Supported iron oxide nanoparticles on aluminosilicate catalysts were found to be efficient and easily recoverable materials in the aqueous selective oxidation of alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds using hydrogen peroxide under both conventional and microwave heating. The protocol features an easy work-up, simplicity and the utilisation of mild reaction conditions as well as high selectivity toward aldehydes is highly advantageous compared to alternatively reported methodologies. The supported iron oxide nanoparticles could be easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused several times without any loss in activity. ICP-MS results proved that there is no metal leaching observed, demonstrating the stability of the catalyst under the investigated conditions.