Allylic Oxidation of Alkenes Catalyzed by a Copper–Aluminum Mixed Oxide

A strategy for the allylic oxidation of cyclic alkenes with a copper–aluminum mixed oxide as catalyst is presented. The reaction involves the treatment of an alkene with a carboxylic acid employing tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. In all cases, the corresponding allylic esters are obtained. When l-proline is employed, the allylic alcohol or ketone is obtained. The oxidation of cyclohexene and valencene has been optimized by design of experiments (DoE) statistical methodology.