Chemoselective Oxidation of Benzylic Alcohols and Hydroquinones with bis-(2,4,6-Trimethylpyridinium) Dichromate (BTMPDC) as an Efficient and New Oxidizing Agent

Abstract

A simple, efficient, and chemoselective oxidation of benzylic alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones and also hydroquinones to the benzoquinones using bis-(2,4,6-trimethylpyridinium) dichromate (BTMPDC) in acetonitrile is described. A good range of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols and a limited range of hydroquinones were selectively oxidized under reflux conditions in reasonable yields.

Keywords:

• Alcohols
• bis-(2,4,6-trimethylpyridinium) dichromate
• hydroquinone
• oxidation

Financial support for this work by the research affair, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran, is gratefully acknowledged.

Notes

^a 2-chlorobenzyl alcohol : BTMPDC = 1 mmol : 1 mmol

^b Yield was determined by 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazone derivatives

^a substrate : BTMPDC (1 : 1 mmol)

^b Isolated yields