Investigating the Mechanism of Ruthenium (III)‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol and 2‐Phenyl Ethanol by a Copper (III) Periodate Complex in an Aqueous Alkaline Environment

A study was conducted to investigate the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and 2‐phenyl ethanol using a copper (III) complex catalyst with ruthenium (III) chloride in an alkaline water‐based solution. The researchers maintained a constant ionic strength in the solution throughout the experiment. They found that the rate of the reaction was directly proportional to the concentrations of the oxidant, organic substrate, catalyst, and hydroxyl ions. However, when external sources of periodate ions were added, the reaction rate slowed down. Increasing the ionized potential of the solution had a positive effect on the reaction rate. The researchers calculated various thermal properties, such as activation energy, activation free energy, and activation entropy, to better understand the energetics of the reaction. They used infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify the oxidation products. Based on their experimental findings, they proposed a plausible mechanism to explain all the observed phenomena. This research highlights the use of simple, cost‐effective, and environmentally friendly methods for copper oxidation in its +3 state. These methods offer new possibilities for advancements in the field of oxidation reactions.