Co-TUD-1 catalysed aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane Original Research Article

Co-TUD-1, an amorphous sponge-like mesoporous cobalt-containing silicate, was shown to be a very active and selective catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane. In addition, the decomposition of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide (CHHP) was carried out over Co-TUD-1 and it catalysed complete conversion of CHHP with excellent selectivity towards cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone. A stable activity over a period of one week was established for Co-TUD-1 in our rigorous leaching experiments during the continuous decomposition of CHHP. No leaching of the metal could be detected proving the catalyst to be truly heterogeneous.