Solvent-free microwave-assisted peroxidative oxidation of secondary alcohols to the corresponding ketones catalyzed by copper(ii) 2,4-alkoxy-1,3,5-triazapentadienato complexes.

A facile, efficient and selective solvent-free synthesis of ketones from secondary alcohols with tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant under microwave irradiation is achieved, where the copper(ii) 2,4-alkoxy-1,3,5-triazapentadienato complexes are efficient catalysts providing high yields (up to 100%), TONs (up to 890) and TOFs (up to 1780 h(-1)).