Heterogeneous cobalt catalysts for selective oxygenation of alcohols to aldehydes, esters and nitriles

Efficient and green oxygenation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes, esters and nitriles was developed with high selectivity. Functional alcohols, including some heterocyclic and allylic alcohols can be oxygenated to the corresponding aldehydes, esters and nitriles respectively. Moreover, the catalyst can be recycled and reused without significant deactivation. Noteworthy, the Co@NC (800-2h) catalyzed oxygenation of alcohols can be regulated easily by changing the reaction conditions, and then the corresponding aldehydes, esters and nitriles can be obtained in high yields respectively.