Oxidation of Methyl Aromatics and Hetero Aromatics to Their Corresponding Aldehydes

Abstract

The direct partial oxidation of methyl aromatics and hetero aromatics to their corresponding aldehydes strongly depends on nature, strength and concentration of acidic and basic surface sites of the catalysts, the acid-base properties of the reaction mixture and, additionally, on the electronic properties, i.e. nucleophilicity of the reactants. The increase of catalyst basicity by addition of alkali cations as well as the entire reaction mixture basicity by co-feeding of pyridine lead to dramatic improved aldehyde selectivities.