Mechanistic insights into the microwave-assisted cinnamyl alcohol oxidation using supported iron and palladium catalysts

The efficient oxidation of alcohols remains a challenge, especially when using solid heterogeneous catalysts. Herein, the catalytic activity of mechanochemically prepared iron and palladium particles on various supports are compared for the oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde and benzaldehyde in acetonitrile using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant assisted by microwave irradiation. Important insights into the mechanism of the reaction towards the differently observed products have been provided. © 2019 Elsevier B.V