Efficient and convenient oxidation of benzyl halides to carbonyl compounds with Sodium nitrate and Acetic acid by phase transfer catalysis in aqueous media

A variety of benzyl halides were converted to the corresponding aldehydes/ketones in good to high yields by phase transfer catalysis combined with sodium nitrate and acetic acid at reflux. As a result, a simple and high yield procedure has been developed. KEY WORDS: Oxidation, Benzyl halides, Phase transfer catalyst, Sodium nitrate Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2010, 24(2), 277-282.