C-H oxidation using graphite oxide

Graphite oxide was found to be an effective oxidant for use in a broad range of reactions, including the oxidation of olefins to their respective diones, methyl benzenes to their respective aldehydes, diarylmethanes to their respective ketones, and various dehydrogenations. The temperatures used in the reactions were typically mild (100-120 °C), and the heterogeneous nature of the oxidant facilitated isolation and purification of the desired products. In most cases, no by-products were observed and the desired products were isolated in good to excellent yields.