Oxidation of Toluene and Other Examples of CH Bond Activation by CdO₂ and ZnO₂ Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of CdO2 and ZnO2 are shown to oxidize toluene primarily to benzaldehyde in the 160-180 °C range, around which temperature the nanoparticles decompose to give the oxides. The product selectivity and other features of the reaction are explained taking into account the various byproducts formed in the reaction. These metal peroxides also activate the CH bonds of cyclohexane. It is possible to bring down the reaction temperature by partially substituting the Zn in ZnO2 with Ni.