The Boyland-Sims oxidation is the chemical reaction of anilines with alkaline potassium persulfate, which after hydrolysis forms ortho-hydroxyl anilines.[1][2][3]
The ortho-isomer is formed predominantly. However, the para-sulfate is formed in small amounts with certain anilines.[4]
Behrman has shown that the first intermediate in the Boyland-Sims oxidation is the formation of an arylhydroxylamine-O-sulfate (2).[5] Rearrangement of this zwitterionic intermediate forms both the ortho- and para-amino aryl sulfates (3a and 3b).
6. E. J. Behrman, Chemical Educator, 15, 392-393(2010).