Microencapsulated methylrhenium trioxide (MTO)/H2O2 systems for the oxidation of cardanol derivatives

A convenient and efficient application of microencapsulated/methylrhenium trioxide (MTO) and MTO/pyridine systems for the selective oxidation of cardanol derivatives is reported. Environmentally friendly and low-cost H2O2 was used as the oxygen atom donor. The catalysts were stable systems for at least five recycling experiments. In the oxidation of C2 alkyl-substituted cardanol derivatives, high conversion and yields of the corresponding para-benzoquinones were obtained. By contrast, in the absence of the C2 substituent, an unprecedented oxidative degradation to di-gamma-lactone derivative was observed.