Studies on the mechanism of oxidation at benzylic carbon by chromyl chloride

The reactions of chromyl chloride with aromatic hydrocarbons have been reviewed. The adducts formed from toulene and benzyl chloride have been shown by chemical and physical methods to consist of benzaldehyde co-ordinated to the reduced chromium. A range of other adducts have been similarly investigated, and the results are discussed. The kinetics of oxidation of a series of substituted toulenes and benzyl chlorides has been investigated. The results obtained have been correlated with the Hammett relationship. It has been possible to show that the oxidations proceed through a cyclic transition stage. The kinectic results have been investigated using Exner's criterion. A series of new compounds, involving substituted benzaldechydes co-ordinated to chromic chloride have been prepared.