Catalytic Oxidation of Naphthalene on Palladium in Cooperation with Copper(I)/(II) Redox Couple

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.64.3089

Catalytic oxidation of naphthalene in moist acetic acid solutions has been studied.The catalyst used was a silica-supported palladium which works in cooperation with the Cu(1+)/Cu(2+) redox couple.Products were 1-naphthol, 1,4-naphthoquinone and (E)-2-formylcinnamaldehyde with a total yield of more than 78percent in which naphthoquinone shared 40percent.Reaction mechanism has been discused in comparison with that of benzene.