structural:expansion
Oxidation of benzene, toluene, cyclohexylbenzene

The direct oxidation of benzene (C H) to phenol is possible, but it has not been commercialized:

Nitrous oxide is a potentially "green" oxidant that is a more potent oxidant than O. Routes for the generation of nitrous oxide however remain uncompetitive.

An electrosynthesis employing alternating current gives phenol from benzene.

The oxidation of toluene, as developed by Dow Chemical, involves copper-catalyzed reaction of molten sodium benzoate with air:

The reaction is proposed to proceed via formation of benzyoylsalicylate.

Autoxidation of cyclohexylbenzene give the hydroperoxide. Decomposition of this hydroperoxide affords cyclohexanone and phenol.