Oxidation of 3- and 4-carenes with mercuric acetate in acetic acid

Abstract

1. A study was made of the oxidation of 3-carene with Hg(OAc)2 in acetic acid at 23 and 86°, and with (HgOAc)2 at 90°. The action of both of the oxidizing agents leads to the same acetylative oxidation products: the acetates of p-mentha-1,5-dien-8-ol and p-mentha-1(7),5-dien-8-ol. 2. The products of the oxidation of 4-carene with Hg(OAc)2 in acetic acid at 20° contain the acetates of p-mentha-1,5-dien-8-ol and p-mentha-1(7),5-dien-8-ol. 3. The formation of organomercury compounds of composition C18H26O8Hg3 occurs when the 3- and 4-carenes are oxidized with Hg(OAc)2 at room temperature. © 1972 Consultants Bureau.