Sodium bismuthate-induced oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons

ORGN 515

Bimal K. Banik, banik@panam.edu, Hector Aguilar, banik@panam.edu, and Luis Canales. Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas-Pan American, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78541
We have demonstrated a simple method for the oxidation of benzylic methylenes to the benzylic ketones by sodium bismuthate in acetic acid. As an extension, several polyaromatic ketones and acetates were prepared in good yield. The product distribution of this oxidation reaction depends on the conditions of the experiments. The ring size of the aromatic hydrocarbon, the nature of the substitutent in the aromatic system and the nature of the reaction media has a profound effect. The formation of the products follows a dual path. Presumably, the reaction proceeds through a carbocation intermediate. Steric hindrance in the aromatic system may give a mixture of products because of two competitive reactions.