Process for the oxidation of hydrocarbons with the use of iridium metal catalyst complexes

摘要

Provided is a process for effectively and efficiently oxidizing alkyl-containing molecules with the use of an oxygen-containing gas. An iridium metal catalyst complex with the iridium being coordinated with the nitrogen atoms of a benzimidazolyl-containing ligand is used as the catalyst. The process generates alcohols, ketones and aldehydes directly from alkyl-containing molecules and/or aromatic molecules.