Aerobic Oxidation of Phenols and Related Compounds using Carbon Nanotube-Gold Nanohybrid Catalysts.

Gold nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes were investigated as catalysts in the aerobic oxidation of various substrates (phenols, hydroquinones, catechols, aminophenols, and thiols). The nanohybrid system compares favorably with other supported noble metal catalysts in terms of overall efficacy as it operates at room temperature, under air atmosphere (no external oxidant needed), and can readily be recycled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]