Chemoselective hydrogen peroxide oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes by a water-soluble and reusable iron(III) catalyst in pure water at room temperature

Hydrogen peroxide oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes is described, which is catalyzed by a novel, reusable and water-soluble FeCl3 complex in situ-formed with quaternary ammonium salt-functionalized 8-aminoquinoline. This reaction exhibits unique chemoselectivity and broad functional-group tolerance, and it can operate efficiently in pure water at room temperature.