The oxidation of benzyl alcohols is an important reaction in organic synthesis. Traditional methods for benzyl alcohol oxidation have not been widely utilized due to the use of significant amounts of precious metals and environmentally unfriendly reagents. In recent years, electrocatalytic oxidation has gained significant attention, particularly electrochemical anodic oxidation, which offers a sustainable alternative for oxidation without the need for external oxidants or reducing agents. Here, a copper monosubstituted phosphotungstate-based polyacrylate resins (Cu-LPOMs@PPAR) catalyst has been fabricated with immobilization and recyclability using 3D printing technology that can be successfully applied in the electrocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde, achieving atom economy and reducing pollution. In this protocol, we obtain benzaldehyde in good yields with excellent functional group toleration under metal-free and oxidant-free conditions. This strategy could provide a new avenue for heterogeneous catalysts in application for enhancing the efficiency and selectivity of electrocatalytic oxidation processes.
Keywords: 3D printing; additive manufacturing; benzaldehyde; benzyl alcohol; electrocatalysis; polyoxometalate.