Copper(ii) quinoxolinol imidazolium complexes in catalytic oxidation of benzylic and heterocyclic alcohols

Abstract

A novel copper(II) quinoxolinol complex has been prepared using a condensation reaction based on previous studies. The copper(II) quinoxolinol salen complex has been applied as a catalyst using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant, demonstrating that benzylic and heterocyclic alcohols can be converted efficiently to the corresponding aldehydes. Excellent yields can be achieved (up to 99%) within a short reaction time and with great tolerance for functional groups.