Abstract
Selective oxidation of alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde plays a pivotal role in organic synthesis. In the present study, 3D cubic cage-like mesoporous SBA-16 was synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal route. Then SBA-16 supported MnMoO4 catalysts, designated as MnMoO4 (1, 3, and 5wt.%)/SBA-16, were prepared by the wet impregnation method. The catalysts were thoroughly characterized by various analytical techniques to verify phase purity, mesoporous structure, morphology, and oxidation state of the catalytic active sites. Further, catalytic activity was performed for the liquid phase oxidation of salicyl alcohol and its family members to obtain the respective aldehydes between 50 and 90 °C. MnMoO4 (3 wt.%)/SBA-16 showed higher catalytic activity than other catalysts by giving 88% salicyl alcohol conversion with 81% salicylaldehyde selectivity. The recovered catalyst retained activity for five cycles, thus proving MnMoO4 (3 wt.%)/SBA-16 is a better choice for commercial production of salicylaldehyde.