Baeyer-Villiger reaction of benzaldehydes possessing oxygen functions withSeO2-H2O2

The Baeyer-Villiger (B.V.) reaction using SeO2-H2O2 was examined for variou s benzaldehydes possessing methoxy groups and/or a furan ring. When benzald ehydes have an electron-donating group (methoxy group) at the ortho or para position to a formyl group, the B.V. reaction proceeded rapidly and in a g ood yield. Since the reaction using SeO2-H2O2 is carried out under a neutra l condition, this reaction are applicable to aldehyde derivatives with a fu ran ring which is unstable against acid.