Novel and Efficient Oxidation of Benzyl Ethers to Benzaldehydes by DMSO/49% Aq. HBr

Abstract

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) oxidizes benzyl ethers into corresponding benzaldehydes at 110°C; the reaction is accelerated by 49% aq. HBr. The conditions work well for different aryl‐substituted benzyl ethers. This protocol is inert toward dialkyl ethers.

Keywords:

• benzaldehydes
• benzyl ethers
• DMSO/49% aq. HBr

Acknowledgment

Ramesh Naik acknowledges the Bangalore University for financial assistance and the Deptartment of Organic Chemistry and NMR Research Center, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, for recording NMR spectra.