Oxidative and anaerobic reactions of benzyl alcohol catalysed by a Pd-561 giant cluster

The unusual redox disproportionation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and toluene catalysed by the Pd(561)phen(60)(OAc)(180) giant cluster under anaerobic conditions was found, whereas in an O-2 atmosphere the Pd giant cluster catalyses benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde and inhibits its further oxidation.