Bis(methoxypropyl) ether-promoted oxidation of aromatic alcohols into aromatic carboxylic acids and aromatic ketones with O2 under metal- and base-free conditions.

We describe an eco-friendly, practical and operationally simple procedure for the bis(methoxypropyl) ether-promoted oxidation of aromatic alcohols into aromatic carboxylic acids and aromatic ketones with atmospheric dioxygen as the sole oxidant. This chemical process is clean with high conversion and good selectivity, and an external initiator, catalyst, additive and base are not required. The virtue of this reaction is highlighted by its easily available and economical raw materials and excellent functional group tolerance (acid-, base- and oxidant-labile groups). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]