Direct oxidation of toluene to benzoic acid with molecular oxygen over manganese oxides

Manganese oxides, which are easily prepared, simple to use and capable of being recycled, have been employed as catalyst in the selective oxidation of toluene to benzoic acid for the first time. Molecular oxygen was used as oxidant under additive- and solvent-free conditions. As a result, 39% conversion of toluene and 93% selectivity of benzoic acid were achieved.