A simple and effective synthesis of benzolactones and benzolactams by noncatalytic benzylic oxidation of cyclic benzylic ethers and N-protected cyclic benzylic amines with sodium chlorite as an oxidant

摘要

Sodium chlorite (NaClO was shown to be capable of oxidizing cyclic benzylic ethers and N-protected cyclic benzylic amines in a heterogeneous solvent system of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and water at 55-65°C to give synthetically useful benzolactones and benzolactams, respectively, in high-to-excellent yields.