NaI[O.sub.4]-mediated selective oxidation of alkylarenes and benzylic bromides/alcohols to carbonyl derivatives using water as solvent

A novel transition-metal-free, sodium metaperiodate (NaI[O.sub.4])-mediated direct oxidation of methylarenes and benzylic bromides to the corresponding aromatic carboxylic acids is described. Oxidation of benzyl bromide, toluene, or benzyl alcohol with NaI[O.sub.4] underwent nuclear bromination followed by oxidation to give 4-bromobenzoic acids in 60-79% yields.