Metal organic frameworks as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidation of benzylic compounds with t-butylhydroperoxide

Iron and copper metal organic frameworks of 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate [Fe(BTC) and Cu3(BTC)2] are efficient and reusable solid catalysts for the oxidation of benzylic compounds with t-butylhydroperoxide as oxidant in acetonitrile with moderate to good yields. The solids were stable under the reaction conditions as confirmed by comparison of the powder XRD of the fresh and reused catalysts. EPR spectroscopy using diphenyl-N-t-butyl nitrone as spin trap has allowed to detect C-centered radicals as reaction intermediates.