Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of oxidizing organic compounds having allylic or benzylic carbon atoms. The process of this invention comprises reacting an organic compound having one or more allylic or benzylic carbon atoms with an effective amount of an effective oxidizing agent in water at a temperature equal to or greater than about 350.degree. C. and at a pressure equal to or greater than about 175 atmospheres, wherein said agent is selected from the group consisting of elemental sulfur, an oxidized form of elemental sulfur and, an organic or inorganic compound capable of forming elemental sulfur or said oxidized forms in situ under process conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of oxidizing organic compounds having benzylic carbon atoms. The process of this invention comprises reacting an organic compound having one or more benzylic carbon atoms with an effective amount of an effective oxidizing agent in water at a temperature equal to or greater than about 350.degree. C. and at a pressure equal to or greater than about 175 atmospheres, wherein said agent is selected from the group consisting of a combination of one or more bases and one or more of elemental sulfur, an oxidized form of elemental sulfur and/or an organic or inorganic sulfur containing compounds capable of forming elemental sulfur, said oxidized forms or a combination thereof in situ under process conditions, and organic or inorganic compounds which form one or more bases and elemental sulfur, oxidized forms of sulfur or a combination thereof in situ under process conditions.