p-Fluorobenzaldehyde and p-fluorobenzoic acid by oxidation of p-fluorobenzyl derivatives

Experiments on the oxidation reactions of p-fluorobenzyl alcohol and chloride were carried out. Several oxidizing agents (manganese dioxide, 30% hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite solutions at different concentrations) were used, and a mixture of p-fluorobenzaldehyde and p-fluorobenzoic acid in different proportions was obtained. In the case of p-fluorobenzyl chloride, some p-fluorobenzyl alcohol was also found in the reaction mixture. The experimental conditions required to obtain an increase in the yield of the aldehyde or acid were also studied. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.