Oxidation of Nitrotoluenes with Electro-generated Superoxide Ion

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.53.1537

The oxidation of o-, m-, and p-nitrotoluenes with electro-generated superoxide ion in dimethylformamide was studied using cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential macro-electrolysis.The electrochemical reduction of oxygen in the presence of o- and p-nitrotoluenes yielded the corresponding carboxylic acids because the methyl groups in these derivatives are activated by the nitro group.An intermediate in these oxidations should be the corresponding nitrobenzaldehyde.The reaction mechanism is discussed.