Selective oxidation of alcohols and aldehydes over supported metal nanoparticles

Oxidation is a key reaction in organic synthesis and will likely play a significant role in the development of value-added chemicals from biomass. The application of heterogeneous catalysis and molecular oxygen to oxidation reactions offers a green alternative to traditional, toxic chemical oxidants. However, making comparisons of catalyst performance (reaction rate, product selectivity) between reports in the literature is difficult because of inconsistencies in the ways results are reported. Herein, we examine the literature on supported metal catalysts for the oxidation of molecules of interest in biomass conversion (primary alcohols, polyols, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and various sugars). Reaction rates are calculated and compared in a consistent manner and recommendations for avoiding common pitfalls in kinetic investigations are made.