Benzylic oxidation and photooxidation by air in the presence of graphite and cyclohexene

Graphite is introduced as a convenient catalyst for cyclohexene-promoted photooxidation of p-xylene, ethylbenzene, and cumene by air. Availability of the reagent (air), lack of chemical waste, low toxicity, and reusability of the catalyst make the process a good green alternative of oxidation of these industrially important hydrocarbons.