Direct aerobic photo-oxidative synthesis of aromatic methyl esters from methyl aromatics via dimethyl acetals.

A useful method for facile synthesis of aromatic methyl esters from methyl aromatics via dimethyl acetals by aerobic photo-oxidation using inexpensive and easily handled CBr(4) as catalyst is reported. This is the first example for direct preparation of the corresponding aromatic methyl esters from methyl aromatics.