Cellulose supported manganese dioxide nanosheet catalyzed aerobic oxidation of organic compounds

Cellulose supported manganese dioxide nanosheets, as a heterogeneous bio-supported and green catalyst, were synthesized by soaking porous cellulose in a potassium permanganate solution. The prepared catalyst was used effectively for the oxidation of various types of alkyl arenes, alcohols and sulfides to their corresponding carbonyl and sulfoxide compounds, respectively in high yields using air as the oxidant at ambient pressure. The catalyst can be recycled and reused in five runs without any significant loss of efficiency. The mild reaction conditions for the oxidation of alcohols and sulfides, high yields, recyclability of the catalyst, and very easy workup procedure are other advantages of this catalyst.