New findings and current controversies on oxidation of benzyl alcohol by a copper complex

Herein, we report the new findings and details for the alcohol-oxidizing activity of a known copper complex (Marko’s complex) in the presence of molecular oxygen. Using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near edge structure, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and X-ray diffraction, it is suggested that the true catalyst for the reaction is a copper complex on nanosized potassium carbonate.