Electron-transfer processes: oxidation of arylacetic acids by peroxydisulphate in acetic acid

The oxidation of arylacetic acids by peroxydisulphate in acetic acid media in the presence of potassium and copper-(II) acetates leads to the corresponding benzylacetates. The mechanism of the reaction is rationalized by the occurrence of two pathways: the intermediate formation of aromatic radical cations or the direct decarboxylation of the arylacetate ion. The importance of acetic acid as a rection medium is stressed