Cobalt catalysed synthesis of 1,2-diones from aromatic aldehydes in the presence of n-butanal

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)76671-8

Cobalt(II) chloride catalyses the oxidative coupling of a wide range of aromatic aldehydes in the presence of dioxygen to afford 1,2-diones or carboxylic acids. Aromatic aldehydes may be transformed to 1,2-diones in the presence of n-butanal whereas the presence of acetic anhydride and n-butanal lead to the formation of the corresponding carboxylic acids.