Catalyst-free and selective oxidation of pyridine derivatives and tertiary amines to corresponding N-oxides with 1,2-diphenyl-1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperoxyethane

The catalyst-free oxidation of various pyridine derivatives and tertiary amines to their corresponding N-oxides with 1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperoxy-1,2-diphenylethane as an efficient oxidant has been developed. The methodology proved to tolerate a number of functional groups. The reactions proceeded smoothly under solvent-free and mild conditions at room temperature. All the products were easily extracted from the reaction mixtures in excellent yields. Graphical abstract The catalyst-free oxidation of various pyridine derivatives and tertiary amines to their corresponding N-oxides with 1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperoxy-1,2-diphenylethane as an efficient oxidant has been developed. The methodology proved to tolerate a number of functional groups. The reactions proceeded smoothly under solvent-free and mild conditions at room temperature. All the products were easily extracted from the reaction mixtures in excellent yields.