A Free Radical Process for Oxidation of Hydrocarbons Promoted by Nonmetal Xanthone and Tetramethylammonium Chloride under Mild Conditions.

A nonmetal catalytic system consisting of N-hydroxyphthalimide, xanthone, and tetramethylammonium chloride was developed. A wide range of hydrocarbons could be oxidized efficiently with dioxygen under mild conditions. In the presence of xanthone and tetramethylammonium chloride, catalytic activity of N-hydroxyphthalimide was greatly improved, and selectivity for alkyl hydroperoxide was remarkably decreased.