Microwave assisted benzyl alcohol oxidation using iron particles on furfuryl alcohol derived supports

Abstract This work compares the catalytic activity of iron catalysts supported on porous furfuryl alcohol derived resins for the selective conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant and assisted by microwave irradiation. The catalysts were prepared mechanochemically by ball-milling in the dry state. Initial results showed that the pressure in the reaction medium and the oxidant load are essential to achieve significant conversions. An apparent minimum catalyst load of 0.05 mol% Fe was required for significant reactivity at 132 °C.