Low-temperature aerobic oxidation of decane using an oxygen-free radical initiator

The direct selective oxidation of long chain alkanes by O2 is a highly demanding reaction. We have shown that it is possible to oxidise n-decane in the presence of the oxygen-free radical initiator azobisisobutyronitrile. Formation of a range of oxygenated products has been observed under relatively mild conditions (70 °C in air). Although the presence of a catalyst is not essential when the initiator is used, ceria-based catalysts have been found to increase the selectivity to alcohols by modifying the oxyfunctionalisation of decane.