Catalytic reduction of nitric oxide to nitrous oxide by alcohols mediated by copper(I) complexes

In a reaction relevant to environmetally important processes carried out by copper-containing enzymes and heterogeneous catalysts, copper(I) complexes of 1,4,7-triisopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane dissolved in alcohols (e.g. benzyl alcohol) efficiently promote the reduction of NO to N₂O by the solvent at room temperature, yielding the respective carbonyl compounds (e.g. benzaldehyde).