New selective oxidation reactions by nitroarenes in basic medium involvingelectron-transfer processes

A new synthetic process for oxidation of methyl ketones into their correspo nding carboxylic acids using a modified alkaline nitrobenzene method is des cribed. By introduction of a more powerful oxidant, such as 1,3-dinitrobenz ene, the oxidation reaction proceeds smoothly in aqueous alkaline solution at 100 degreesC, The procedure can also be used for oxidation of benzaldehy des and benzyl alcohols into carboxylic acids and to oxidise mandelic acid into its alpha -keto form, whereas prolonged reaction time results in decar boxylation and gives thus also in this case benzoic acid.