Oxidation ofp-Cresol top-Hydroxybenzaldehyde with Molecular Oxygen in the Presence of CuMn-Oxide Heterogeneous Catalyst

A high-yield synthesis of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde from p-cresol and molecular oxygen was achieved over a CuMn-oxide supported carbon catalyst. The reaction parameters such as pressure, stirring speed, reaction temperature, solvent, and the amount of sodium hydroxide in the reaction media were optimized. As a result, a high conversion of p-cresol (99%) and a high selectivity to p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (96%) were realized at the same time. Catalyst separation and recycling tests clearly showed that the reaction proceeded on the heterogeneous catalyst but not on dissolved species.