Process for the selective oxidation of aromatic compounds

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula Re.sub.a O.sub.b X.sub.c L.sub.d, (I) in which X=F, Cl, Br, I or OH, L=Lewis base, a=an integer 1, 2 or 3 b=zero or an integer from 2 to 9, c=zero or an integer from 1 to 9, d=zero or an integer from 1 to 6, and the sum of a, b and c is such that it is appropriate to the zerovalency or trivalency to heptovalency of the rhenium with the proviso that if b is not equal to zero, b.gtoreq.2.multidot.a, as catalysts for the oxidation of electron-rich aromatic compounds and derivatives thereof and a process for the oxidation of electron-rich aromatic compounds, in which electron-rich C.sub.6 -C.sub.22 aryl compounds and derivatives thereof are oxidized in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst of the formula (I) and of a peroxide-containing compound.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.