Ligand-Promoted, Copper Nanoparticles Catalyzed Oxidation of Propargylic Alcohols with TBHP or Air as Oxidant

Abstract

A highly efficient oxidation of propargylic alcohols to ynones was catalyzed by copper nanoparticles (Cu Nps) with TBHP as an oxidant at room temperature. With bipyridine as the ligand, the reaction was accelerated significantly and led in good to excellent yields to a variety of propargylic alcohols. Furthermore, with Cu Nps as the catalyst, molecular oxygen in air could be utilized as oxidant effectively in the presence of bpy ligand.