The oxidation of decalin to trans-9-decalylhydroperoxide (I) was shortened to one and onehalf to two and one-half-hours and the conversion to I was improved to 2.5-3.0% by using a reaction temperature of 130'with periodic addition of benzoyl peroxide as a catalyst. Previously the oxidation had been conducted at 110'for twentyfour hours with no added catalystza (1.4% conversion) and at 70'for two hundred hours with irradiation by ultraviolet ...
