One-Pot Transformation of Methylarenes into Aromatic Aldehydes under Metal-Free Conditions

On the basis of studies of the transformation of benzylic bromides into the corresponding aromatic aldehydes by treatment with N-methylmorpholine N-oxide, various methylarenes were treated either with DBDMH in the presence of AIBN in acetonitrile at reflux (Method A) or with NBS in CCl4 under irradiation with a tungsten lamp at 30 degrees C (Method B), followed by treatment with N-methylmorpholine N-oxide to provide aromatic aldehydes in good yields. These methods could be adopted in one-pot transformations of methylarenes into aromatic aldehydes under conditions free of less toxic reagents and transition metals.