Highly efficient and selective oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones under organic solvent and transition metal free conditions

The aqueous HBr/H2O2 was found to be highly efficient and green catalytic system for the selective oxidation of the secondary alcohols to ketones in excellent yields under organic solvent free conditions. The results of the oxidation of the secondary alcohols with solid alternatives of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide like SPC or SPB are also described. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.