Selective oxidation of substituted phenols with Co–N–C catalysts fabricated via low temperature heat treatment

Abstract

Co–N–C catalysts were fabricated for efficient oxidation of mono-phenols after undergoing pyrolysis at 250–400 °C. 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol could be facilely oxidized into 2,3,5-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone with dioxygen. CoO, Co₃O₄ or metallic Co particles were excluded as catalytic active species, and active Co(II) species with N/O coordination were dispersed on disordered carbonaceous materials.