Oxidation of Cycloalkanes in a Radiofrequency Plasma

Abstract

Cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, and cyclooctane were reacted in a radiofrequency plasma containing oxygen to give mixtures of the corresponding cycloalkanones and cycloalkanols. Tetralin was also oxidized to 1-tetralone and 1-tetralol. Based on the effects of reaction variables on the oxidation rate, the reaction scheme involving the autoxidation of cycloalkyl radicals was proposed.