Selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones

Abstract

Alcohol oxidation to aldehyde and ketone is one of the most important reactions in the fine chemical industry. In this thesis, the catalytic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones over heterogeneous catalysts is studied. The aerobic oxidation, catalyzed by Zr(OH)4-supported Ru catalyst, can be performed under mild reaction conditions giving high yields of the aldehydes or ketones. The low selectivity for the oxidation of primary alcohols was due to aldol condensation. The Ru content over the support, polarities of solvents, and varied temperature treatments affects the activities of catalysts. The trimetallic oxides (Ru , Co, Ce) were found to be more active after calcinations..In both Oppenauer and TBHP oxidation, Zr(OH)4-supported silica catalyst with 20 a?? 30 mol % Si was found to be a good catalyst. The most active catalysts are those which have been dried at 100 A?C. The catalyst could be reused after washing.