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Updated: Jun 22, 2025

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Published on: November 9, 2019
Toluene Oxidation: CO2 vs Benzaldehyde: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Hugo M Lapa1,2,3, Luísa M D R S Martins1,2
1Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal.
Abstract:
Toluene is a common and significant volatile organic compound (VOC). Although it finds extensive application in various industrial processes (chemical manufacturing, paint and adhesive production, and as a solvent), it creates a huge environmental impact when emitted freely into the atmosphere. Two solutions were found to mitigate the emission of this pollutant: the total oxidation to CO2 and H2O and the selective oxidation into benzaldehyde. This review discusses the two main alternatives for tackling this problem: converting the toluene into carbon dioxide by total oxidation or into benzaldehyde by selective oxidation. It presents new catalytic advances, new trends, and the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
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