Temperature-controlled solvent-free selective synthesis of tert-butyl peresters or acids from benzyl cyanides in the presence of the TBHP/Cu(OAc)2 system

Solvent-free room temperature synthesis of tert-butyl peresters was achieved via copper-catalyzed oxidative-coupling of benzyl cyanides with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in short reaction times. Various derivatives of tert-butyl peresters were synthesized by this pathway in good to excellent yields. Further investigation revealed that the above-mentioned protocol is effective for the synthesis of benzoic acid derivatives when the reaction is conducted at 80 degrees C, under the same reaction conditions.