Gold nanoparticles supported on ceria promote the selective oxidation of oximes into the corresponding carbonylic compounds

Gold supported on ceria (Au/CeO2) is a highly active and selective catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of oximes to the corresponding carbonylic compounds. This reaction can be carried out in a mixture of ethanol–water by oxygen with a complete selectivity and very high conversion using Au/CeO2 as a catalyst. This process appears to be general and aliphatic as well as oximes from aromatic ketones can be converted to the carbonylic compound in the absence of corrosive Brönsted acids and without producing aqueous wastes. One example of particular industrial relevance is the transformation of carvone oxime into carvone.