Highly efficient aerobic oxidation of benzylic and allylic alcohols by a simple catalyst system of [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2/Cs2CO3

A new catalyst system of [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2/Cs2CO3 has been disclosed for highly efficient aerobic oxidation of activated alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds, which is characterized by its high selectivity and activity, operational simplicity, and low air and moisture sensitivity.