Sol-gel Entrapped Nitroxyl Radicals: Catalysts of Broad Scope

Sol-gel entrapped TEMPO-like radicals are excellent supported molecular catalysts for the selective and clean alcohol oxidation, including the primary hydroxyl functions of cellulose. Could these materials reach widespread utilization for the synthesis of fine chemicals, bio-based building blocks and even carboxyl cellulose nanofibrils? This study offers a critical perspective.