A simple, efficient, and chemoselective oxidation of benzylic alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones and also hydroquinones to the benzoquinones using bis-(2,4,6-trimethylpyridinium) dichromate (BTMPDC) in acetonitrile is described. A good range of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols and a limited range of hydroquinones were selectively oxidized under reflux conditions in reasonable yields.
