A “universal” catalyst for aerobic oxidations to synthesize (hetero)aromatic aldehydes, ketones, esters, acids, nitriles, and amides

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> Functionalized (hetero)aromatic compounds are indispensable chemicals widely used in basic and applied sciences. Among these, especially aromatic aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, nitriles, and amides represent valuable fine and bulk chemicals, which are used in chemical, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material industries. For their synthesis, catalytic aerobic oxidation of alcohols constitutes a green, sustainable, and cost-effective process, which should ideally make use of active and selective 3D metals. Here, we report the preparation of graphitic layers encapsulated in Co-nanoparticles by pyrolysis of cobalt-piperazine-tartaric acid complex on carbon as a most general oxidation catalyst. This unique material allows for the synthesis of simple, functionalized, and structurally diverse (hetero)aromatic aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, nitriles, and amides from alcohols in excellent yields in the presence of air.