Abstract The autoxidation of alkylbenzenes can be promoted photochemically in the presence of catalytic amounts of cerim (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) under very mild conditions, the efficiency of the process being significantly increased by added acids. It is suggested that the reaction is promoted by NO 3, radicals formed in the light induced decomposition of CAN and that Ce (III) may be reoxidized to Ce (IV) by benzylperoxy ...
