Bis(pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde oxime)copper(II) sulphate as catalyst precursor in the oxidation of veratryl alcohol by dioxygen

In situ generated [CuII(pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde oxime)2] complex catalyses selective oxidation of veratryl alcohol (3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol) to aldehyde by molecular oxygen in aqueous solution. Under alkaline conditions, the catalyst has both oxime groups deprotonated and the solid state structure of the complex reveals a square pyramidal geometry established by two pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde oxime ligands and sulphate as a counter anion.