A free radical process for oxidation of hydrocarbons promoted by nonmetal xanthone and tetramethylammonium chloride under mild conditions

A nonmetal catalytic system consisting of N-hydroxyphthalimide, xanthone, and tetramethylammonium chloride was developed. A wide range of hydrocarbons could be oxidized efficiently with dioxygen under mild conditions. In the presence of xanthone and tetramethylammonium chloride, catalytic activity of N-hydroxyphthalimide was greatly improved, and selectivity for alkyl hydroperoxide was remarkably decreased. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.