One-pot synthesis of cresols from toluene and hydroxylamine catalyzed by ammonium molybdate

One-pot synthesis of cresols from toluene and hydroxylamine catalyzed by ammonium molybdate was investigated under mild conditions. The hydroxylation reaction was strongly dependent on reaction medium, temperature, the amount of catalyst and hydroxylamine. Moreover, the reaction took place more efficiently in a closed system than in open air. High toluene conversion (72.9%) and cresol selectivity (79.4%) were obtained at 80 °C in water–acetic acid–sulfuric acid medium.

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► One-pot synthesis of cresols from toluene and hydroxylamine was investigated.
► Ammonium molybdate was used as a catalyst.
► The catalyst exhibited high activity in H2O–HOAc–H2SO4 medium.
► High toluene conversion (72.9%) and cresol selectivity (79.4%) were obtained at 80 °C.