Catalytic oxidation of p-xylene with molecular oxygen in the presence of N-hydroxyphthalimide

Relationships of p-xylene oxidation in the presence of N-hydroxyphthalimide and Co(II) and Mn(II) salts were studied. The activity of the catalytic system strongly depends on the volume of the ligand incorporated in the salt. The synergism in combined use of Co(II) and Mn(II) salts is observed only in the step of p-toluic acid oxidation, whereas replacement of a half of the Co(II) salt by the Mn(II) salt in p-xylene oxidation leads to additive increase in the reaction rate.