Aerobic hydrocarbon oxidation catalyzed by the vanadomolybdophosphate polyoxometalate, H5PV2Mo10O40, supported on mesoporous MCM-41

The impregnation of H5PV2Mo10O40 polyoxometalate onto MCM-41 and amino-modi fied MCM-41 materials provided mesoporous active catalysts with large surfa ce areas for aerobic hydrocarbon oxidation using isobutyraldehyde as a redu cing agent. The results of the oxidation of alkenes and alkanes gave produc t selectivities similar to those observed in the corresponding homogeneous reaction although catalytic activity was somewhat reduced. Under appropriat e experimental conditions there was no leaching and the solid catalyst coul d be recovered and reused without loss in activity.