an efficient and selective method for conversion of oximes, semicarbazones and phenylhydrazones to the corresponding carbonyl compounds under solvent-free conditions

o-xylylenebis (triphenylphosphonium peroxymonosulfate) (1) was easily prepared from an aqueous solution of oxone and o-xylylenebis- (triphenylphosphonium bromide). this compound (1) is a useful and selective reagent for conversion of oximes, semicarbazones and phenylhydrazones to the corresponding carbonyl compounds. the reaction was carried out under solvent-free conditions and in the presence of catalytic amount of aluminium chloride. this method shows a good selectivity in oxidation of oximes, semicarbazones and phenylhydrazones in the presence of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols. the advantages of the present method include good functional group tolerance, high yields of products, simple experimental procedure and purification, no solvent and short reaction times.