Copper containing mixed oxides for catalytic oxidation of toluene and phenol in solid-liquid phase

The YBa2Cu3O7-δ and its precursors (Y2Cu2O5 and BaCuO2) have been used as catalysts for toluene and phenol oxidation in solid-liquid phase. It has been observed that the oxide without Cu(III) content and without alkaline earth metal. Y2Cu2O5 have low activity for the decomposition of H2O2 and high activity for these oxidation reactions. Maximum toluene conversion (25.9%) has been observed when acetonitrile is used as a solvent and maximum phenol conversion (45.3%) when water is used as a solvent. Mechanism of toluene oxidation on these mixed oxides has been suggested.