Highly efficient metal organic framework (MOF)-based copper catalysts for the base-free aerobic oxidation of various alcohols

Copper (Cu) containing metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are found to be highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts for oxidation of various alcohols. A wide range of alcohols, including alcohols containing inactive hetero-aryl and long-chain alkyl units, are selectively converted into their corresponding products. The catalytic efficiency of the Cu containing MOFs, along with the co-catalyst 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidyl-1-oxy (TEMPO), was demonstrated by the high conversion of the reactants with 100% selectivity under base-free conditions. The use of an inexpensive copper containing catalyst, the broad substrate scope, and the open air conditions and absence of base additive make this protocol very practical. The catalyst maintained a unique structural framework and it could be reused at least five times without significant loss of activity.