A green process for the oxidative lactonization of 1,2-benzenedimethanol by tungstic acid with aqueous H2O2?

Green Chemistry Pub Date: 2009-12-07 DOI: 10.1039/B921334A

Abstract

A new economic and green route to synthesize phthalide from 1,2-benzenedimethanol using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant and tungstic acid as the catalyst under organic solvent-free conditions is presented. This process proceeds with advantages from the viewpoint of green chemistry, in which the only by-product of H2O2 is water and the catalyst can also be easily recovered. The desired product with high purity and good yield can be conveniently obtained when cooled after reaction.

Graphical abstract: A green process for the oxidative lactonization of 1,2-benzenedimethanol by tungstic acid with aqueous H2O2
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