Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols by Polymer Supported V(IV) Complex Using O2

Polymer supported and unsupported oxovanadium(IV) complexes with 2,6-bis(benzimidazolyl)pyridine were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic moment measurements, electronic, IR, ESR spectral studies, LC–MS and thermogravimetric analysis. Based on the results, an octahedral geometry was intended around V(IV) complexes. Polymer-anchored V(IV) complex catalyzed the oxidation of benzyl alcohols in acetonitrile with O2 as an oxidant. Several parameters were differed to optimize the reaction conditions. Under the optimized reaction conditions, benzyl alcohol oxidation confirmed 96% conversion with 100% selectivity towards benzaldehyde. The developed catalyst revealed excellent benzyl alcohol oxidation at moderate temperature in presence of oxygen making the reaction simpler and environmentally benign. The polymer anchored V(IV) complex showed excellent recyclability as compared to its unsupported analogue.