Cu(<scp>II</scp>)‐Catalyzed Ligand‐Free Oxidation of Diarylmethanes and Second Alcohols in Water

Abstract

We developed a simple and efficient Cu( II )‐catalyzed ligand‐free oxidation of diarylmethanes and secondary alcohols using 70% tert‐butyl hydroperoxide ( TBHP ) in water. A series of diarylmethanes were directly oxidized into diaryl ketones in 67%–98% yields. Additionally, various secondary alcohols were also transformed into the desired products in 48%–98% yields. Importantly, the catalytic system in the absence of any organic solvent, surfactant, or phase transfer agent, had a wide substrate scope and a high tolerance for various functional groups.