A new procedure for oxidation of hydroquinones to quinones using a silica gel supported cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate-NaBrO3 reagent has been developed. This simple, easy to prepare and use, heterogeneous reagent is highly selective towards oxidation of 1,4-dihydroxybenzenes and produces high yields of quinones. Waste generated by using this procedure is minimal.
Key words
heterogeneous - solid support - oxidation - hydroquinone - quinone