Direct oxidation of the three xylene isomers (3) with 5 folds excess of 70% aqueous TBHP (each
oxidation requires 6 equivalents of oxidant) under simultaneous cooling were carried out in a 800W
microwave reactor. Results after 30 minutes irradiation are summarized in table 4. Terephthalic,
isophthalic and phthalic acids (4a,b,c) were obtained in moderate yields from p-, m- and o-xylene
respectively (table 4). The oxidation of xylenes is probably a stepwise process. Around 20% of toluic
acids (methylbenzoic) were also obtained. To our surprise, small amount of benzoic acid was also
detected. Using a less powerful 300W reactor, similar results were obtained except the reaction time
required was 2 hours.In the case of p- and m-xylene, the oxidized benzenedicarboxylic acids (terephthalic 4a and
isophthalic 4b) precipitated out from the reaction mixtures. This made isolations of these two products
straight forward. After filtration and recrystallization, purified terephthalic and isophthalic acids can be
obtained in moderate yields.