Liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexanol to adipic acid with molecular oxygen on metal catalysts Original Research Article

In this study, a carbon supported platinum catalyst (5.4 wt.−% Pt/C) was found to be an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexanol into adipic acid. The reaction was performed in water, with air as the oxidizing agent, under moderate temperature (423 K) and pressure (5 MPa air). This catalytic system achieved total conversion of the cyclohexanol and selectivities of ca. 50% in adipic acid. The main by-products were glutaric and succinic acids.