K-10 montmorillonite: An efficient and reusable catalyst for selective oxidation of aldehydes in the presence of dioxygen

Abstract

A commercial montmorillonite clay catalyst, K-10 montmorillonite, was tested for catalytic oxidation of aldehydes in the presence of molecular oxygen under mild conditions. K-10 montmorillonite catalysed the oxidation of aldehydes with good activity and excellent selectivity toward the formation of the corresponding acids. The effects of the amount of catalyst, temperature and solvent on the catalytic activity were investigated. Remarkably, this catalyst was reusable without any appreciable loss in activity and selectivity.