Oxidations with acyl nitrates: A simple and rapid method for preparing quinones, ketones and aldehydes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(96)01008-8

Hydroquinones are oxidized rapidly and quantitatively with acyl nitrates or trimethylsilyl nitrates to quinones. Primary and secondary alcohols are oxidized to aldehydes and ketones in good yields with acyl nitrates supported on montmorillonite or chrysotile. A mechanism is proposed based on a nitrate intermediate isolated from the reaction mixture.