Hydroxylamine as a Source for Nitric Oxide in Metal‐Free 2,2,6,6‐ Tetramethylpiperidine N‐Oxyl Radical (TEMPO) Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols

Abstract The communication reports on the metal‐free 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine N ‐oxyl radical (TEMPO) catalyzed aerobic oxidation of various alcohols to aldehydes and ketones. A novel catalyst system that uses 1–4 mol% of TEMPO in combination with 4–6 mol% of aqueous hydroxylamine is introduced. No other additives are necessary and corrosive by‐products are not formed during oxidation. Nitric oxide which is important for the catalytic cycle is generated in situ by reaction of the hydroxylamine with TEMPO. A catalytic cycle for the overall oxidation process is suggested.