Efficient Mn-Cu and Mn-Co-TEMPO-catalysed oxidation of alcohols into aldehydes and ketones by oxygen under mild conditions

A catalytic amount of Mn(II)-Co(II) or Mn(II)-Cu(II) nitrates in combination with TEMPO allows the selective oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones by oxygen under very mild conditions. Mechanistic aspects are discussed. The catalyst can be considered the cheapest and the most effective for the selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.