| abstract |
An oxidation catalyst system comprising (A) a ruthenium compound and (B) a dihydroxybenzene or an oxidation product thereof. Examples of the ruthenium compound (A) include ruthenium complexes, e.g., dichlorotris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II), and Ru/C. Examples of the dihydroxybenzene or oxidation product (B) include hydroquinone. When an alcohol is oxidized with molecular oxygen in the presence of the oxidation catalyst system, the corresponding carbonyl compound is obtained in a high yield. Primary alcohols are more selectively oxidized than secondary alcohols. |