Aniline was selectively converted into the corresponding nitrosobenzene and nitrobenzene by oxidation with 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The reaction was catalyzed by various heteropolyoxometalates, at room temperature, in dichloromethane under two-phase conditions. Findings show that H3PW12O40 is the best catalyst in the oxidation of aniline. Na3PW9Mo3O40 and K4SiW9Mo2O39 also displayed high reactivity in the oxygenation system. Phase transfer agents and temperature increase also contribute to the efficiency of the oxidation.
oxidation; polyoxometalates; aniline
