Oxidation of benzyl alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds catalyzed by copper (II) meso-tetra phenyl porphyrin as cytochrome P-450 model reaction

The oxidation of benzyl alcohols has been studied in the presence of isobutyraldehyde as co-catalyst, molecular oxygen as oxidant and copper (II) meso-tetra phenyl porphyrin (CuTPP) as catalyst. The CuTPP catalyst exhibits good activity and high selectivity under mild conditions. The effects of temperature and solvents have also been investigated in this catalyst system.