Dual Functionality of Choline Hydroxide for the Dakin Reaction

A facile synthetic approach to Dakin oxidation utilizing green conditions was demonstrated. A combination of hydrogen peroxide and aqueous choline hydroxide in cooperation with various hydroxyl aryl aldehydes and ketones was used to provide the corresponding dihydric aromatic compounds. The whole procedure was conducted at ambient temperature in an aerobic environment. The scope of ChOH/H2O2 platform was also investigated, showing that the reactivity of the present platform was highly dependent on the position of the hydroxy group of the aromatic ring.