Oxidation of Benzoins with Ferric (III) Nitrate Supported on Kieselguhr

Efficient and selective oxidation of benzoins to corresponding benzils with ferric(III) nitrate nonahydrate supported on kieselguhr reagent under heterogeneous conditions and reflux is described. The present oxidations are completed within 2 h with the yield between 85 and 95%. The main advantage of this oxidation is that the reaction time is much shorter as compared to the other reported ferric(III) nitrate nonahydrate–based reagents.