Selective Oxidation of Alkylarene in H2O Catalyzed by the Polyoxometalate Supported Chromium Catalyst

Abstract The selective oxidation of alkylarene is a quite straightforward and appealing way for production of aromatic aldehydes, ketones and aromatic acid derivatives. We synthesized Cr(III) catalyst, (NH4)3[CrMo6O18(OH)6], with reasonable activity towards selective oxidation of alkylarenes under mild conditions. The catalyst is supported by a central chromium mononucleus and a cyclic inorganic ligand composed of six MoVIO6 octahedra, avoiding the disadvantages of expensive and non‐recyclable organic ligand. It is efficient, green and can be recycled at least six times with high activity. At the same time, a wide range of substituted alkylarenes were found to be compatible, providing the corresponding carbonyl compounds in moderate‐to‐high yield.