The Dakin reaction involves the oxidation of an ortho- or para-hydroxylated phenyl aldehyde or ketone with hydrogen peroxide in a basic solution. This results in the oxidation of the carbonyl group to a benzenediol and the formation of a carboxylate. The reaction proceeds through a nucleophilic addition, 1,2 aryl migration, hydrolysis, and phenoxide ion formation steps. The reactivity depends on factors like the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon and the speed of the 1,2 migration. Phenyl aldehydes react faster than ketones and ortho-hydroxy compounds faster than para-hydroxy derivatives in weak basic conditions. Electron donating groups increase reactivity while electron