New Selective Oxidation Reactions by Nitroarenes in Basic Medium Involving Electron-Transfer Processes

A new synthetic process for oxidation of methyl ketones into their corresponding carboxylic acids using a modified alkaline nitrobenzene method is described. By introduction of a more powerful oxidant, such as 1,3-dinitrobenzene, the oxidation reaction proceeds smoothly in aqueous alkaline solution at 100 °C. The procedure can also be used for oxidation of benzaldehydes and benzyl alcohols into carboxylic acids and to oxidise mandelic acid into its α-keto form, whereas prolonged reaction time results in decarboxylation and gives thus also in this case benzoic acid.