An efficient aerobic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones with TEMPO/ceric ammonium nitrate as catalysts

Secondary benzylic alcohols with an alkyl chain are oxidized faster than simple benzyl alcohols. However the reaction time is prolonged, when the alkyl chain is replaced by a bulky phenyl ring such as benzhydrol and 9-hydroxyfluorene. All the benzyl and benzylic alcohols give yields > 90%. Allylic alcohols without steric hindrance react faster to give excellent yield (> 80%). The present method is superior to others currently available due to its relatively short reaction times and excellent yields.