Alcohol Oxidation in Ionic Liquids Catalysed by Recyclable Platinum Nanoparticles: A Green Approach

Abstract

The effect of particle size on the catalytic performance of materials in organic reactions is of scientific and industrial importance. In the present case we demonstrate the use of room temperature ionic liquids as effective agents of dispersion of platinum nanoparticles prepared from potassium tetrachloroplatinate. The platinum nanoparticles in the range 2.5±0.5 nm are recyclable catalysts for aerobic oxidation of alcohols under mild conditions. The particles suspended in ionic liquids show no metal agglomeration or loss of catalytic activity even on prolonged use. The protocol followed supports green chemistry as uses of hazardous, flammable organic chemicals have been limited.

Keywords: Platinum, nanoparticles, oxidation, agglomeration, ionic liquid