(476at) Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation with Hydrogen Peroxide over Zeolite Catalysts

Baeyer-Villiger oxidation usually employs peracid as an oxidant. However, peracid is a hazardous chemical and acid is formed as a by-product. Thus, Baeyer-Villiger oxidation with hydrogen peroxide is favourable compared to the oxidation with peracid. We report that zeolite catalysts containing Ga or Al show excellent activity in the oxidation of cyclohexanone to caprolactone. The activity of Al-beta zeolites was improved by a moderate dealumination. The interlayer channels of MWW type zeolites are expanded to accommodate the reactant and product to exhibit increased activity compared to the zeolites of the original MWW structure. The effect of the zeolite structure on the catalytic performance and the reason for activity enhancement will be discussed.