Nitric Acid Assisted In Situ Generation of BrOH: A Selective Catalyst for Oxidation of Benzylic Alcohols

Venkatanarayana Pappula and Su

Abstract

Nitric acid (15 mol%) assisted in-situ generated hypobromous acid catalyzed aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohols to aldehydes under metal-free aqueous conditions is described. Nitric acid plays a dual role as “H+” donor as well as secondary oxidant to convert bromide to a reactive species (BrOH) in presence of molecular oxygen from air.

Relevant Publications in Journal of Organic & Inorganic Chemistry