Efficient Baeyer-Villiger electro-oxidation of ketones with molecular oxygen using an activated carbon fiber electrode in ionic liquid [bmim][OTf]

Abstract

A new and efficient method for the synthesis of lactones and esters involving the application of an molecular oxygen-based electro-catalytic oxidation system and ionic liquid [bmim][OTf] as electrolyte has been developed. The reaction between various ketones with molecular oxygen proceeds in a three-electrode cell under constant current conditions in [bmim][OTf] at room temperature to give the corresponding esters and lactones in good to excellent isolated yield. Additionally, the possible mechanism of Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of ketones in the electro-catalytic system is proposed.

KEY WORDS: Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, Ketone, Molecular oxygen, Electrocatalysis, Ionic liquid

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2016, 30(2), 297-306. 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v30i2.14