Abstract

The green Dakin reactions can be performed by employing gallic acid as an oxidizing agent. Implementation of gallic acid helps to avoid the usage of catalyst, ligand and any toxic or hazardous oxidizing agent. Gallic acid accelerates the conversion of the atmospheric oxygen into hydrogen peroxide, which helps in the oxidation of aldehydes in situ. Mango peel, potato peel, pomegranate pomace, grape pomace extract contains the rich source of gallic acid that performs the oxidations in a natural feedstock. The best results were obtained by mango peel as well as potato peel extract giving excellent yields with minimum time at room temperature. The ‘aqueous extract of banana’ (AEB), in the said conversion plays a dual role of catalyst and a base. The reported work can be considered as environment-friendly Dakin oxidation, as it is carried out in a neat AEB at room temperature under aerobic conditions with low reaction time and better yield.

Key words: Dakin reaction; gallic acid; water extract of banana; mango peel; potato peel; pomegranate pomace; grape pomace