| abstract |
The present invention relates to a catalyst useful for a photooxidation reaction and also relates to a novel process for producing aldehydes, particularly aromatic aldehydes, which are useful as an intermediate for the production of agrochemical and medical preparations. The catalyst is particularly suitable for the oxidation of a methyl group difficult to oxidize.A photooxidation catalyst according to the invention is a halogenated aromatic nitrile represented by the following formula (1):(wherein X represents a chlorine atom or a fluorine atom, m represents an integer of 1 to 5, n represents an integer of 1 to 5, m+n<=6, and when n is 2 or more, Xs may be the same or different). |