Mono lacunary phosphomolybdate supported on MCM-41: synthesis, characterization and solvent free aerobic oxidation of alkenes and alcohols.

A new catalyst comprising monolacunary phosphomolybdate and MCM-41 was synthesized and characterized by different physicochemical techniques. The catalytic activity was evaluated by carrying out solvent free aerobic oxidation of alkenes and alcohols. The catalyst showed 60% conversion of styrene and 28% conversion of benzyl alcohol. The superiority of the present catalytic system lies in obtaining better conversion under solvent free and aerobic conditions.