Solvent-Free Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation Using Spatially\nSeparated Carbon-Supported Au and Pd Nanoparticles

The spatial separation\nof Au and Pd nanoparticles supported on\ncarbon has been demonstrated to be highly effective in facilitating\naqueous-phase alcohol oxidation reactions, wherein OH<sup>–</sup> is the oxidant terminal for the oxidative dehydrogenation reaction.\nHowever, the application of this methodology in nonaqueous environments\nhas not yet been explored. Supported alloyed Au–Pd nanoparticles\nare known to be highly active in the solvent-free oxidation of benzyl\nalcohol with oxygen as the terminal oxidant, leading to benzaldehyde\nby direct oxidation and toluene by disproportionation. Here, we show\nthat by physically separating Au and Pd nanoparticles supported on\ncarbon, the reaction rate for solvent-free benzyl alcohol oxidation\ncan be further enhanced by coupling the oxidation and disproportionation\nreactions via H-transfer from Pd to Au.