Aerobic alcohol oxidation by ruthenium species stabilized on nanocrystalline magnesium oxide by basic ionic liquids

The selective oxidation of various alcohols into their corresponding aldehydes and ketones was achieved by ruthenium species stabilized on the nanocrystalline magnesium oxide (NAP-MgO) by the incorporation of choline hydroxide, a basic ionic liquid, in excellent yields. The procedure is simple, efficient and environmentally benign. The catalyst can be used for four cycles with almost consistent activity.