Cooperative catalysis by polymetallic copper–zinc complexes in the efficient oxidation of alcohols under solvent free condition

The oxidation of alcohols to corresponding aldehydes and ketones has been achieved using polymetallic complexes as catalyst with hydrogen peroxide as the terminal oxidant under a solvent free condition. These polymetallic complexes linked to a single ligand system exhibited remarkable cooperative effect in the oxidation process. This ecologically friendly procedure releases water as the only by-product.