Solvent-free oxidation of primary carbon-hydrogen bonds in toluene using supported gold palladium alloy nanoparticles

• Main Author: Kesavan, Lokesh
• Published: Cardiff University 2011
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.585242

Selective oxidation of primary carbon-hydrogen bonds with oxygen is of crucial importance for the sustainable exploitation of available feedstocks. To date, heterogeneous catalysts have either shown low activity and/or selectivity or have required activated oxygen donors. It is reported here that supported gold-palladium (Au-Pd) nanoparticles on carbon or TiO: are active for the oxidation of the primary carbon-hydrogen bonds in toluene and related molecules, giving high selectivities to benzyl benzoate under mild solvent-free conditions. Differences between the catalytic activity of the Au-Pd nanoparticles on carbon and TiC>2 supports are rationalized in terms of the particle/support wetting behaviour and the availability of exposed corner/edge sites. Further these catalysts have been tested for substituted toluene molecules and benzyl alcohol, as these substrates have similarity in their structural configuration. The results are discussed with regard to structure activity relationship.