THE OXIDATION OF ORTHO-ANISIDINE IN ALKALINE-MEDIUM - A PRODUCT CHARACTERIZATION AND AN EPR STUDY

Alkaline oxidation of ortho-anisidine by potassium ferricyanide in alkaline aqueous solution was examined. Azo compounds, a diamine, and para-iminoquinones were isolated from the highly coloured reaction mixture. The reaction was also carried out within the cavity of an EPR spectrometer and two radical species have been detected. Following these product results and EPR studies, a radical mechanism is proposed for the process.