Efficient TEMPO functionalized temperature response nanoreactors: recoverable hydrophobic pockets for aerobic oxidation of alcohols in water

With the growing popularity of "green chemistry," the selective oxidation of alcohols using water as a reaction medium and oxygen as an oxidant has increased significantly in the last few years. However, the solubility of organic substances and oxygen in water is relatively poor and generates such a large mass transfer resistance, which seriously reduces the efficiency of aqueous phase reaction. This work employed the construction of TEMPO nanoreactors based on thermoresponsive polymers to lower mass transfer resistance and promote the selective oxidation of alcohol. Compared with free TEMPO, it was discovered that the tethered organocatalyst's reactivity in water under air atmosphere was extraordinarily high within the nanostructure. Moreover, the nanoreactors can be easily recovered by increasing the temperature after the reaction, which can recycle up to five times while still being highly active. This work would offer some fresh perspectives on carrying out environmentally friendly reactions and demonstrate an inventive method for multiphase reaction intensification.