An In‐Situ‐Formed Copper‐Based Perfluorinated Catalytic System for the Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols

Abstract

AbstractHerein, we report a new catalytic protocol for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols. The catalytic system is formed in situ, in a straightforward and user‐friendly manner, combining a widely available copper source (Cu2O) with one imidazolium salt precursor bearing perfluorinated moieties. Our protocol uses TEMPO, as additive, and the reaction takes place at the interface of a biphasic solvent system, consisting of anisole and 1‐bromoperfluorooctane. The as‐prepared carbonyl compounds remain in the organic solvent, while the catalytic system remains in the fluorous phase. In this manner, the isolation and purification of the desired products are quite facile. Our protocol uses low catalytic loadings and is more efficient with primary alcohols, affording the desired products in good to excellent yields. The fluorous phase containing the catalytic system can be efficiently recovered and reused for at least six times, without a significant decrease in its catalytic efficiency.