Oxidation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons to Alcohols and Aldehydes

Aromatic aldehydes and alcohols can be prepared in moderate yields by oxidizing aromatic hydrocarbons with oxygen at atmospheric pressure, using acetic acid as solvent and cobalt acetate and bromide as catalysts. Low voltage mass spectrometry is useful in following the course of the reaction and predicting, with considerable accuracy, the period for optimum conversions, as well as determining the nature of minor products. Oxidation of toluene-α-ds indicates radical abstraction of hydrogen from the aromatic ring as well as from the side chain.