Oxidative Dearomatization of Phenols and Polycyclic Aromatics with Hydrogen Peroxide Triggered by Heterogeneous Sulfonic Acids

Abstract

AbstractWe report herein a method for the oxidative dearomatization of phenols and bare polycyclic arenes into the corresponding quinoid derivatives using hydrogen peroxide. The reaction is catalyzed by sulfonic acids and best results were achieved using heterogenized species. The best results using phenols were achieved using a hybrid material, namely a perfluorinated polymer functionalized with sulfonic acid groups supported on silica. The dearomatization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons performed better using the polymeric acid catalyst. These methods operate under mild conditions, using mild and benign oxidants and thus minimizing the formation of waste.