Mild Liquid Phase Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol in the Presence of Microporous Framework Copper Silicates

The microporous framework copper silicates CuSH‐1NaK (1) and SGU‐29 (2) – prepared using hydrothermal conditions – are effective heterogeneous oxidation catalysts for producing benzaldehyde (BzAld) and benzoic acid (BzAcid) from benzyl alcohol (BzOH), under mild reaction conditions (approximately atmospheric pressure, 70 °C). The copper silicate heterogeneous catalysts triggered a radical reaction mechanism leading to the target products; in particular, BzAcid was formed in up to 94 % yield and 100 % selectivity from BzAld. The type of oxidant and solvent influenced the catalytic performances. Microporous framework copper silicates CuSH‐1NaK and SGU‐29 – prepared using hydrothermal synthesis – are effective heterogeneous oxidation catalysts for producing benzaldehyde (BzAld) and benzoic acid (BzAcid) from benzyl alcohol (BzOH), under mild reaction conditions. The copper silicate heterogeneous catalysts triggered a radical reaction mechanism leading to the target products.