Selective aerobic benzylic C–H oxidation co-catalyzed by N-hydroxyphthalimide and Keplerate {Mo72V30} nanocluster

Abstract

The catalytic efficiency of a Keplerate {Mo₇₂V₃₀} nanocapsule in the aerobic benzylic C–H oxidation of alcohols and hydrocarbons was exploited. The aerobic reactions were conducted using catalytic amounts of {Mo₇₂V₃₀} and under the co-catalytic effects of NHPI (N-hydroxyphthalimide) to furnish desired aldehydes and ketones in high yields and excellent selectivity. Different benzylic alcohols and hydrocarbons were shown to be amenable to oxidation under standard conditions presented here. Spectral data and leaching experiments revealed that the cluster had a long-term stability and could be used repeatedly in consecutive runs.