No abstract

A new bimetallic heterogeneous catalyst consisting of copper and palladium nanoparticles supported on bio-silica is presented. The use of TEMPO as co-catalyst allowed the aerobic oxidation of primary benzylic alcohols into the corresponding aldehydes with excellent selectivity and good activity. The methodology could be applied to the oxidation of allylic and heterobenzylic alcohols. The catalyst is easy to prepare from commercial starting materials and can be recovered and reused without apparent loss of activity.