Gold Nanotriangles as Selective Catalysts for Cyclohexanol and Cyclohexanone Production

The search for sustainable catalytic oxidation processes remains a challenge. One process of utmost industrial and economic importance is the selective oxidation of cyclohexane, in the route of nylon-6,6 production, which requires urgent improvement. Herein, Au nanotriangles (Au NTs) were prepared following a three-step (seed preparation, growth and shaping) procedure and applied, for the first time, as catalysts for the selective oxidation of neat cyclohexane to ketone and alcohol (KA) oil (cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone mixture). The Au NTs successfully yield KA oil (up to 14%) under mild conditions (50 °C), using an alternative energy source (microwave irradiation) as reaction promotor.