Remarkable reactivity of pyridinium chlorochromate adsorbed on neutral alumina under solvent-free conditions

Pyridinium chlorochromate adsorbed on neutral alumina (PCC-Al2O3) under solvent-free conditions has been found to oxidize primary aliphatic alcohols to alkyl alkanoates whereas primary benzylic and primary allylic alcohols produce the corresponding aldehydes. Secondary aliphatic and aromatic alcohols produce ketones without isomerization and polymerization of double bonds, overoxidation and other side-reactions.