Synthetic Application of PVP-stabilized Au Nanocluster Catalyst to Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols in Aqueous Solution under Ambient Conditions

Gold nanoclusters (φ = 1.3 nm) stabilized by poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Au:PVP) were found to show a high catalytic activity toward the aerobic oxidation of alcohols. Various kinds of primary and secondary alcohols were converted to the corresponding carboxylic acids and ketones, respectively, in basic aqueous media at 300–360 K under air.