Selective Aerobic Benzylic Alcohol Oxidation of Lignin Model Compounds: Route to Aryl Ketones

A mild and chemoselective oxidation of the -alcohol in -O-4-ethanoaryl and -O-4-glycerolaryl ethers has been developed. The benzylic alcohols were selectively dehydrogenated to the corresponding ketones in 60-93% yield. A one-pot selective route to aryl ethyl ketones was performed. The catalytic system comprises recyclable heterogeneous palladium, mild reaction conditions, green solvents, and oxygen in air as oxidant. Catalytic amounts of a coordinating polyol were found pivotal for an efficient aerobic oxidation.