A new avenue to the Dakin reaction in H2O2–WERSA

Abstract

We have developed a novel protocol to realize the Dakin reaction in a more greener way. In fact, by the use of H₂O₂–WERSA, we can oxidize aromatic arylaldehydes to phenols at room temperature. It is remarkable that the catalytic system does not require activation or any toxic ligand, additive/promoter, transition metal catalyst, base, organic solvent and so on. A range of substituted hydroxylated benzaldehydes were screened to investigate the scope of this protocol.