Solvent-free selective oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols catalyzed by ruthenium-bis(benzimidazole)pyridinedicarboxylate complex using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant

A convenient and selective oxidation of alcohols with aqueous hydrogen peroxide to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds under solvent-free conditions has been developed. By applying ruthenium-bis(benzimidazole)pyridinedicarboxylate complex [Ru(bbp)(pydic)] as catalyst, primary, and secondary alcohols were oxidized to aldehydes and ketones in good yield and excellent selectivity under mild conditions.