Solvent-free Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol by Resin Supported Noble Metal Catalysts

Noble metal nanoparticle catalysts supported by resin were prepared by a simple adsorption method. Resin D261 is an organic polymer containing quaternary ammonium group. The specific interaction between quaternary ammonium groups and different kinds of noble metal precursors can be generally applied for the preparation of supported noble metal catalysts. Due to the specific interaction, an easy control of the loading of noble metal can be achieved. Furthermore, without using volatile organic solvents and calcinations in the preparation procedure, the method reported here is environmentally benign and economically feasible. The catalysts were tested in aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under solvent- and base-free conditions and exhibited high activity and excellent selectivity.