Unveiling the sustainable oxidation approach of homologous alcohols by DPA in a CTAB micellar environment

Abstract

This study explores the catalytic oxidation of homologous alcohols (2-propanol, 2-butanol, and 2-pentanol) by the diperiodatoargentate(III) (DPA) complex in a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micellar medium. Notably, the use of a micellar medium avoided the need for organic solvents, aligning with green sustainable chemistry principles. The reaction kinetics were monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy, tracking the reduction of Ag(III) to Ag(I) at 360 nm. For all three alcohols, the maximum rate augmentation is observed at a 5 mM CTAB concentration. Zeta potential measurements supported the significant enhancement in reaction rate of the studied reactions in a micellar medium. NMR, DLS, and UV-vis studies revealed interactions between CTAB and DPA. A bathochromic shift is observed in the UV-vis study in the region of 0.8–2 mM CTAB concentrations in the CTAB–DPA system. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of CTAB was evaluated in the presence of DPA, demonstrating its impact on micelle formation. This green catalytic system demonstrates promising efficiency and sustainability for alcohol oxidation reactions, with potential applications in organic synthesis and industrial processes.