We report here in highly efficient one-pot catalytic system which utilizes in situ generated sodium ferrate for the oxidation of aromatic and cyclic hydrocarbons in the presence of Au (III) and Pd (II) metal ions catalyst under ecofriendly green synthetic method. Results of these studies revealed that Au (III) catalytic system gave higher yield as compared with Pd (II) catalytic system because of the higher electrode potential of Au(III) than Pd(II). All compounds were characterized by infrared and NMR spectral analysis.

The addition of traces of Au(III) chloride with Ce(IV) sulphate (catalyst: substrate ratio (1: 80 to 1: 300)) and in case of Cu(II) sulphate with Ce(IV) sulphate(catalyst: substrate ratio (1: 60 to 1: 250)) in solution phase under microwave irradiation resulted in good to excellent yields of corresponding to phenol, quinone and carbonyl compounds. In case of oxidation of anthracene, phenanthrene, naphthalene, cyclohexane and toluene dissolved in acetic acid to give 95.02 %, 85.25%, 34.68%, 40.94%, and 56.54% yields in case of gold catalyst and 93.5%, 83.4%, 24.68%, 38.25% and 47.11% yields in case of copper as a catalyst. Phenanthrene was oxidized in 9-Fluorenone instead of phenanthraquinone to get the benzylic rearrangement.