A simple and effective approach for the synthesis of benzaldehydes from benzylic bromides is reported using sodium nitrate as an oxidant with 10% sodium hydroxide. Benzyl bromide is oxidized to benzaldehyde in 91% yield with 98% conversion at 120 degrees C, whereas 82% of benzyl alcohol is obtained at a temperature of 80 degrees C in 80 min with 20% sodium nitrate solution.