Multicompartmentalized microreactors based on Pickering emulsions for continuous-flow oxidation of primary benzylic alcohols

Abstract

A novel system based on Pickering emulsions for the continuous-flow oxidation of primary benzylic alcohols to aldehydes is presented. In this system, transition-metal nanoparticles supported on surface-modified silica nanoparticles serve as both the emulsifier and the active catalyst. Utilizing hydrogen peroxide as a green and renewable oxidant, the system operates continuously under mild conditions, achieves high conversion rates in a short time, and produces minimal, environmentally benign byproducts.