Direct oxidation of cycloalkanes with molecular oxygen to dicarboxylic acids using isoamyl nitrite

Oxidation of cycloalkanes with molecular oxygen using isoamyl nitrite was examined under mild conditions. Cycloalkanes were easily oxidized with molecular oxygen to give the corresponding cycloalcohols, cycloalkanones and dicarboxylic acids at 120 °C or lower temperatures. The oxidation of the cycloalkanes was promoted by adding soluble Co and Mn ions.