Metallic nitrates supported on silica gel efficiently cleave and oxidize ethers to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones under mild conditions. Silica gel is essential for the efficient oxidation, and CU (NO~)~ and ZII (NO~)~ are suitable for practical use. Overoxidation of the product aldehydes is not observed. In some cases alkyl nitrites are isolated in addition to the carbonyl compounds, and the decomposition of alkyl nitrites to ...
