Nitrogen and Phosphorus Co-Doped Graphene-Like Carbon Catalyzed Selective Oxidation of Alcohols

The nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped graphene-like carbon (NPG) is cost-effective fabricated by simple ball-milling and thermal treatment. The as-prepared NPG can be used as a metal-free catalyst for selective catalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohols to their corresponding acids by using TBHP and O-2 as the oxidant in water. It is observed that various aromatic alcohols bearing electron-donating/withdrawing groups can be oxidized to the corresponding acids in excellent yields. No dehalogenation and steric-hindrance effects are detected in this oxidation process. In addition, the NPG catalyst can be easily separated and efficiently reused seven times, showing good recyclability.