Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Benzylic Alcohols Catalyzed by a Dicyclopropenylidene-Ag(I) Complex

The unprecedented synthesis, single-crystal X-ray structure and first catalytic application of a dicarbene-Ag(I) complex [Ag(BAC)2][CO2CF3] (BAC = bis(diisopropyl)aminocyclopropenylidene) is reported. This novel complex provides a versatile catalytic platform for selective aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols to aldehyde or ketone products in high yields. Ease of experimental execution coupled with the use of abundant atmospheric molecular oxygen as an oxidant and low catalyst loading are inherit strengths of these oxidations.