In situ generation of hydroperoxide by oxidation of benzhydrols to benzophenones using sodium hydride under oxygen atmosphere: use for the oxidative cleavage of cyclic 1,2-diketones to dicarboxylic acids

A facile oxidative cleavage of cyclic 1,2-diketones 1 to dicarboxylic acids 3 with hydroperoxide generated in situ has been developed. In situ generation of hydroperoxide was effected by the oxidation of 4,4′-dichlorobenzhydrol 2f to 4,4′-dichlorobenzophenone 4f using sodium hydride under oxygen atmosphere.