Oxidation of Organic Compounds by Potassium Permanganate Supported on Montmorillonite K10

Abstract The oxidation of organic compounds by potassium permanganate supported on Montmorillonite K10 has been studied under solvent‐free conditions and the results compared with those from corresponding reactions where the reductants are dissolved in methylene chloride. Under both sets of conditions, primary benzylic and secondary alcohols are converted to aldehydes and ketones respectively, sulfides are oxidized to sulfones, and thiols undergo oxidative coupling to give disulfides. Surprisingly, reaction times under solvent‐free conditions are shorter than those observed when the reductants are dissolved in a solvent.