Anodic syntheses. Part XVI. Oxidation of phenylenediacetic acids and benzylic ethers

Abstract

Electrolysis of o-, m-, and p-phenylenediacetic acids gives the diethers C₆H₄(CH₂OMe)₂ and the aldehydes CHO·C₆H₄·CH₂·OMe, the latter resulting from anodic oxidation of the diethers. The ortho-diacid also affords a lactone. The anodic oxidation of ethers of this type to the corresponding aldehydes has been shown to be a general reaction of benzylic ethers having an electron-releasing substituent attached to the ring.