The oxidation reactions of alcohols and amines to their
respective
aldehydes/ketones and nitriles are important reactions in the laboratory
and industry. A highly robust and activated ruthenium-supported anodic
aluminum oxide (Ru@AAO) has been synthesized through the sonochemical
method. The sonochemical technique allowed a short synthesis time
and uniform distribution of Ru on the AAO surface as confirmed by
the scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy,
X-ray diffraction analysis, and BET surface-area analysis. The synthesized
catalyst was employed for the oxidation of alcohols and amines in
the presence of atmospheric air at a relatively lower temperature.
The synthesized catalyst showed excellent conversions of both alcohols
and amines with high selectivities toward their respective aldehydes/ketones
and nitriles. The function of the AAO support in Ru@AAO catalytic
activity has also been elaborated in the present investigation.