An efficient synthesis of 2,3,5-trimethylbenzoquinone by metal-free oxidation of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene

The oxidation of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene with phthaloyl peroxide has been investigated under solvent-free and optimized conditions. 2,3,5-Trimethylbenzoquinone was obtained with great purity in 92% yield at 95% conversion of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene at 120 degrees C for 2.5 h under solvent-free conditions. The important factors such as the efficiency of the different cyclic acid anhydrides or carboxylic acid peroxides, the concentration of phthalic anhydride and 30% H2O2, the reaction time, the effect of solvent system, and the reaction temperature have been studied. An important advantage of this oxidizing system, aside from the organic solvent-free conditions, is that it is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and inexpensive. In addition, this methodology will be of great use in the preparation of commercially valuable benzoquinones from the corresponding aromatic compounds.