The oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds is of fundamental importance in organic synthesis, due to the wide use of these products as precursors and intermediates for many drugs, vitamins and fragrances. However, traditional oxidants are often toxic and release considerable amounts of by-products. As an alternative, oxygen is among the cheaper and less polluting stoichiometric oxidants, and the implementation of a transition metal-based catalyst in combination with oxygen represents an emerging alternative to the traditional procedures.

This book aims to give an overview of the aerobic oxidation of alcohols catalyzed by transition metals, and covers the most important advances in the last fifteen years. Following an introductory chapter on homogeneous-, heterogeneous- and nano-catalysis, use of copper, ruthenium, palladium, gold, vanadium and iron are discussed in turn. The book concludes with a useful overview that includes representative experimental procedures.

This book will provide a valuable reference to organic chemists and green chemists in academia and industry.