Selective Iron-Catalyzed Oxidation of Benzylic and Allylic Alcohols

A convenient and selective oxidation of alcohols with hydrogen peroxide to give aldehydes and ketones has been developed. Using in situ generated iron chloride complexes [Fe(L3)2Cln] [n=01, L3 =6-(N-phenylbenzimidazoyl)-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid], aldehydes and ketones were obtained in good yield and excellent selectivity after a short reaction time at room temperature.