Microwave‐Assisted Oxidation with Catalyzed by <i>N</i> ‐Hydroxyphtalimide Derivatives

Abstract Hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) and its derivatives possess effective organocatalytic properties. In particular, N ‐hydroxynaphthalimide (NHNPI) is an effective oxidation catalyst in the aerobic oxidation reaction of aldehydes; however, the reaction rate and yield are not satisfactory. In this study, microwave irradiation in an oxygen atmosphere was employed to facilitate the oxidation of aldehydes catalyzed by NHNPI and N ‐hydroxytetraphenylphthalimide (NHTPPI), achieving a considerable increase in the reaction rate with almost complete aldehyde oxidation within 1 h under microwave irradiation at 50 °C. Additionally, NHNPI and NHTPPI catalyzed the Baeyer–Villiger reaction under similar conditions. These conditions can not only accelerate reaction process but also give sole products without any by‐products. In addition, the purification steps are comparatively simple.