Abstract

Ru³⁺-exchanged supported 12-tungstophosphoric acid was synthesized, characterized and used for solvent-free liquid phase aerobic oxidation of styrene under mild reaction conditions. The present catalyst gives 100 % conversion of styrene with >99 % selectivity for benzaldehyde. The catalyst can also be regenerated and reused.

Keywords: Aerobic, heteropolyacid, oxidation, ruthenium, solvent-free, styrene.