An efficient sonochemical oxidation of benzyl alcohols into benzaldehydes by FeCl3/HNO3 in acetone

Sonochemical oxidation of benzyl alcohols into corresponding aldehydes by FeCl3/HNO3 in acetone at room temperature has been reported. All substrates give good yield of the products within 10–25 min. The reaction of selected substrates were also studied under reflux and at the room temperature. Further, various Lewis acids were used to evaluate their catalytic efficacy.

Research highlights
► An efficient oxidation of primary benzyl alcohols into benzaldehydes is reported.
► A mixture of HNO3 / FeCl3 has been used as an efficient catalyst for this oxidation.
► This protocol works very well under the influence of ultrasound.
► Excellent yields of the products are obtained with in 10–25 min.
► Over oxidized or nitrated products are not formed in this reaction.