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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Synthesis and Testing of Supported Pt-Cu Solid Solution Nanoparticle Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation
Published on: July 18, 2017
Synthetic scope of alcohol transfer dehydrogenation catalyzed by Cu/Al2O3: a new metallic catalyst with unusual
Federica Zaccheria1, Nicoletta Ravasio, Rinaldo Psaro
1Dip. CIMA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Venezian 21, 20133 Milano, Italy.
Abstract:
A method for the anaerobic oxidation of a wide series of alcohols including cyclohexanols and steroidal alcohols, has been set up. It relies on a transfer dehydrogenation reaction from the substrate alcohol to styrene catalyzed by a heterogeneous, reusable copper catalyst under very mild liquid-phase experimental conditions (90 degrees C, N(2)) and shows unusual selectivity. Thus, the method is selective for the oxidation of secondary and allylic alcohols even in the presence of unprotected primary and benzylic alcohols. Electronic effects and the choice of the hydrogen acceptor account for the selectivity observed.
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