Oxidation of an Arylalkyl or its Derivative to its Corresponding Carbonyl or Carboxylic Acid

Technology: Oxidation of an arylalkyl or its derivative to its corresponding carbonyl or carboxylic acid;

Industry: Chemical Plant, Applications: Pharmaceutical & chemical synthesis;

Market: The global catalytic oxidation is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during 2021 to 2029;

Traditional methods of oxidation invariably involve addition of stoichiometric quantity of oxidants; nevertheless, the co-production of disagreeable toxic by-products is a matter of serious environment concerns.
Further the methods for oxidation or dehydrogenation of alkylarenes and its derivatives to respective carbonyls (including carboxylic acids) require costly metals(Rh, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd, or Os), mixed metal catalysts such as (Pb-Bi)2+xRu2-xO7-y, Pt/Bi-Al2O3, Au-CeO2 or Au/Cu-CeO2 and Cu-Ni, equimolar amount of base & pressurized oxygen in autoclave reactors, as well as different constraint.
Hence there is a need to address above issues.

The present invention describes a process for oxidation of an arylalkyl or its derivative to its corresponding carbonyl or carboxylic acid.
The process comprises the step of reacting the arylalkyl or its derivative, in water, with aqueous TBHP as an oxidant, in presence of a catalyst of formula (I): wherein, each of R1, R2, and R3, independently, is alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; and m is 0- 20.
Further Patent relates to a process for preparing a catalyst of formula(I).
Said catalyst of formula (I) as used in the process of the present invention can be recovered from the reaction mixture & recycled or reused.
The catalyst may be recycled eight times for successful oxidation reactions without any significant loss of yield. (Fig.1)

Technical Perspective:

The claimed process of oxidation of an arylalkyl or its derivative yields corresponding carbonyl or carboxylic acids in excellent yields (up to 98% yield & 100% conversion).

Industrial Perspective:

The claimed process does not involve any harmful vigorous oxidant, and/or organic solvent & the process is simple, cost effective, & environment friendly.

Prof. Dilip Kumar Chand

Department of Chemistry

TRL- 3

Proof of Concept ready & validated

Technology Transfer