Synthesis 2010(3): 477-485  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1217115
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Pd/C and NaBH4 in Basic Aqueous Alcohol: An Efficient System for an Environmentally Benign Oxidation of Alcohols

Gwangil Ana, Hyunseok Ahnb, Kathlia A. De Castrob, Hakjune Rhee*b
a Radiopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Nowon-Gu, Gongneung-Dong 215-4, Seoul, 139-706, Korea
b Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Hanyang University, Sa 3-Dong 1271, Ansan, Kyunggi-Do, 426-791, Korea
Fax: +82(31)4073863; e-Mail: hrhee@hanyang.ac.kr;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 15 September 2009
Publication Date:
13 November 2009 (online)

Abstract

We report the oxidation of a wide range of alcohols using an environmentally benign and economical process. The use of Pd/C heterogeneous catalysts along with NaBH4 in aqueous ethanol or methanol and either K2CO3 or KOH as base at room temperature under molecular oxygen or air give the corresponding oxidation products. This protocol is versatile since it is capable of oxidizing alcohols to its desired carbonyl or carboxyl counterpart. Room temperature reaction in aqueous system and recyclability of the catalyst are among the advantages of this manipulation. These advantages make the process safe and cheaper rendering it favorable from both economic and environmental viewpoints.