Ceric Ammonium Nitrate Catalyzed Oxidation of Aldehydes and Alcohols

A variety of aromatic, aliphatic and conjugated aldehydes and alcohols were transformed to the corresponding carboxylic acids and ketones with a quantitative conversion in high yields with 70% t‐BuOOH solution in water in the presence of catalytic amounts of ceric ammonium nitrate [Ce(NH₄)₂(NO₃)₆] (CAN) under room temperature conditions. The scope of our catalytic system is applicable for a wide range of aromatic, conjugated and aliphatic substrates. These aldehydes were converted to the corresponding carboxylic acids in good isolated yields in reasonable times. This method possesses a wide range of capabilities since it can be used with other functional groups which may not tolerate oxidative conditions, involves fairly simple method for work‐up, exhibits chemoselectivity and proceeds under ambient conditions. The resulting products are obtained in good yields within reasonable time.