Oxidative degradation of fragrant aldehydes. Autoxidation by molecular oxygen

The oxidative degradation of fragrant aldehydes by molecular oxygen has been investigated. The oxygen consumption was monitored and the bond dissociation energy (BDE) of the aldehyde C(O)–H bond were calculated by DFT method. The oxidation products were identified by GC/MS. The different pathways accounting for the oxidative degradation are discussed. The main product is the acid, beside the formate ester. Both oxidation products result from the Baeyer–Villiger reaction involving a peracid R(CO)OOH whereas minor products arise from the hydroperoxide ROOH intermediate derived either from the acyl peroxy radical, R(CO)OOradical dot or from the decarboxylation of the peracid RC(O)OOH.