4-Methylanisole → 4-tert-Butylbenzaldehyde

Participants

Reaction Steps

Higher yields are obtained in the oxidation of methoxy-, phenoxy- or tert-butyl-substituted toluenes, which has been traced back to the positive inductive effect of these groups (Grybowska, 1987; Ueshima, 1992; Constantini, 1986). Thus, p-methoxytoluene and p-phenoxytoluene toluene can be oxidized to the corresponding aldehydes (EP 226 640) at 450° C. on a vanadium-thallium-cesium-antimony catalyst or a vanadium-cesium-potassium-phosphorus-iron-cobalt-oxide catalyst at a yield of over 75%. On the latter catalyst, in accordance with the weaker electron-donating effect of the tert-butyl substituent in comparison with the methoxy and phenoxy substituents, p-tert-butylbenzaldehyde is obtained with a yield of 56% (EP 226 640).

Provenance & Evidence