A simple and environmentally friendly selective procedure for cyclohexene-promoted photooxidation of p-xylene, ethylbenzene, and cumene by air in the presence of a pristine or oxidized carbonaceous material is reported. Depending on the catalyst and conditions, the reaction yields either of the following industrially important products: 4-methylbenzyl hydroperoxide, 4-methylbenzoic acid, 1-phenylethyl hydroperoxide, 2-phenyl-2-propanol, acetophenone with high selectivity and practical extent of conversion. Exposure the reaction mixture to ambient light further increased the yields. Improved performance of oxidized graphite has demonstrated the potential of surface modification for the design of novel carbonaceous catalysts.
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