Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the preparation of the esters of an alkyltartronic acid by direct oxidation, with O.sub.2 or the like, at 30.degree.-200.degree. C., of the corresponding alkyl-malonic esters, in the presence of a catalytic system, comprising a salt of a transition metal, selected from Mn, Fe, Co and Cu, and an alkali-metal salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, optionally in the presence of a polar solvent.

Abstract: There is described a process for preparing carbonyl compounds of formula: ##STR1## by oxidation of compounds of formula: ##STR2## wherein X=--CN, --COOR, Y=--COOR.sub.1, --CN, and R, R.sub.1, like or unlike each other, are inert radicals, by employing oxygen or air as oxidants, at least a catalyst selected from the salts of organic or inorganic acids of Mn, Co, Cu and Fe, from 0 to 60 moles of an alkaline salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid per gram-atom of catalyst metal, in a polar solvent, at temperatures ranging from 30.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. and maintaining the reaction medium anhydrous.The present invention relates to a process for preparing carbonyl compounds by catalytic oxidation of compounds containing an activated methylene group.