Silver nitrate-catalyzed oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids by H2O2

A variety of aromatic, aliphatic and conjugated aldehydes were converted to the corresponding carboxylic acid derivatives with 30% H2O2 as the oxidant in the presence of catalytic amounts of AgNO3. The method described has wide range of applicabilities, does not involve cumbersome work-up, exhibits chemoselectivity and proceeds under mild reaction conditions, and the resulting products are obtained in good yields within reasonable time.

An inexpensive and efficient method for the oxidation of a variety of aromatic, aliphatic and conjugated aldehydes with 30% H2O2 as oxidant in the presence of catalytic amounts of AgNO3 is described.