A novel use of the recyclable polymer-supported IBX: an efficient chemoselective and regioselective oxidation of phenolic compounds. The case of hydroxytyrosol derivatives.

A useful and novel application of polymer-supported IBX for the chemoselective and regioselective oxidation of phenolic compounds has been described. Hydroxytyrosol and carboxymethylated hydroxytyrosol have been prepared in good conversions and yields under green chemistry conditions in the presence of dimethyl carbonate as the solvent. Polymer-supported reagent has been recovered by simple filtration, regenerated and reused for more cycles of oxidation reactions without loss of efficiency.