Cu-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols with a Multi-Functional NMI-TEMPO

A novel and easily accessible N-methylimidazole derived TEMPO as multi-functional molecule combining with commercially available copper(I) iodide and 4,4'-Di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl afford a catalyst system that shows efficient activity for the oxidation of a broad scope of alcohols under air balloon at room temperature. The corresponding aldehydes and ketones were obtained in good to excellent yields. The procedure is readily amenable to scale up. The present catalytic system shows a high chemoselective oxidation of primary alcohols over secondary alcohols. Cu(II) active species generated in situ from Cu(I) is responsible for the oxidation of alcohols.