Synthesis of some aromatic aldehydes and acids by sodium ferrate in presence of copper nano-particles adsorbed on K 10 montmorillonite using microwave irradiation

Excellent yields were obtained in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, 4‐methoxy benzyl alcohol and 4‐nitro benzaldehyde with sodium ferrate in the presence of copper nano particles adsorbed on montmorillonite K 10 under microwave irradiation. Aniline, p‐toluidine, phenol, catechol, resorcinol and p‐cresol polymerize under these conditions without exposing the mixture to microwaves. The one‐pot system does not require tedious separation of ferrate and is quick and environmentally benign. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Without following tedious separation, in‐ situ prepared sodium ferrate oxidizes aromatic alcohols and aldehydes to their corresponding carbonyl compounds or aromatic acids, respectively, in excellent yields under microwave irradiation, when adsorbed on montmorillonite in the presence of copper nano‐particles. Aromatics with amino or hydroxy groups polymerize.