Reaction of a series of primary and secondary alcohols (1-propanol, 2-propa
nol, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol and 1-heptanol)
with O-2 over CeO2/MgO (1 atm, 450 degreesC) produced the symmetrical keton
e with 2n-1 carbon atoms in 5-45% yield. The ketones were characterised by
a combination of GC-MS and H-1 NMR spectroscopy. Aldehydes and aldol conden
sation products were the main products produced in competing reactions. No
ketone was produced from the reaction of 2-methyl-2-propanol with oxygen. R
eaction of a 1:I mixture of 1-hexanol and 1-heptanol over the CeO2/MgO cata
lyst produced a statistical yield of the three expected ketones. The data a
re consistent with oxidation of the alcohol to the acid followed by couplin
g of two acid molecules to give the symmetrical ketone. (C) 2001 Elsevier S
cience B.V. All rights reserved.