Oxygen → Acetophenone

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 10 mL of sec-butylbenzene (64.3 mmoles), 3.75 mL of acetonitrile and 0.64 mmoles of N-hydroxyphthalimide is stirred at 70° C. for 24 hours in an atmosphere of oxygen at a pressure of 1 bar. 1H-NMR analysis of the reaction mixture showed a secbutylbenzene conversion of 20% with a selectivity in sec-butyl hydroperoxide of 89% (result confirmed by iodometric titration) and 11% of acetophenone. The acetonitrile is removed by distillation and 0.57 mmoles of N-hydroxyphthalimide are recovered.

Provenance & Evidence