Zeolite supported permanganate: An efficient catalyst for selective oxidation of enamines, alkylarenes and unsaturated alcohols.

Potassium permanganate supported on zeolite can be used for the selective oxidation of various enamines, alkylarenes and unsaturated alcohols to the corresponding ketones, in good yield. Arenes were selectively oxidized at the benzylic position. If the benzylic carbon is secondary, ketones are obtained, and alcohols are produced if the benzylic position is tertiary. In contrast unsaturated secondary alcohols selectively undergo oxidation to the corresponding olefinic ketones without affecting the carbon-carbon double bonds. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.