Synthesis and application of 1,4-bis(triphenyl phosphonium)butane peroxodisulfate for conversion of alkyl benzenes to their corresponding acylbenzenes

1,4-Bis(triphenyl phosphonium)butane peroxodisulfate (BTPPBPDS) was synthesized by treating 1,4-bis(triphenyl phosphonium)butane dibromide and potassium peroxydisulfate in aqueous solution. This was used as a mild and efficient reagent for the oxidation of alkyl benzenes to their corresponding acylbenzenes in very good to high yields.