A new and highly efficient water-soluble copper complex for the oxidation of secondary 1-heteroaryl alcohols by tert-butyl hydroperoxide

The water-soluble copper complex generated in situ from CuCl2 and 2,2′-biquinoline-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid dipotassium salt (BQC), has been revealed as a highly efficient and selective catalyst for the oxidation of secondary 1-heteroaryl alcohols to the corresponding heteroaromatic ketones with aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide, under mild conditions. The catalytic system is compatible with different heterocycles such as pyridines, pyrroles, indoles, thiophens, furans, thiazoles, and imidazoles.