Process for making fluorenones

摘要

A process for the oxidation of a fluorene compound to a corresponding fluorenone compound comprises treating the fluorene compound with an oxidizing gas in the presence of a solid alkali metal or alkaline earth metal oxide or hydroxide or a concentrated aqueous solution thereof in a reaction mixture in a non-aqueous heterocylic nitrogenous solvent, wherein the reaction mixture is free of a phase transfer agent, for a time sufficient and at a temperature sufficient to convert the fluorene compound to the fluorenone compound.