Zinc‐Catalyzed Oxidative Transformation of Benzylic Ethers: A General Procedure for Aldehyde Synthesis

Cataly-zinc cleavage reactions: A general procedure for oxidative cleavage of benzyl ethers has been developed. Aldehydes were produced in good yields under mild conditions. All the reactions were carried out at room temperature and hydrogen peroxide was used as a sustainable oxidant for this transformation. A process for direct oxidation of benzyl ethers to the corresponding esters has also been established. TBHP=tert-butyl hydroperoxide.