Recent Advances in the Catalytic Oxidation of Alcohols with 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) and Its Application to Organic Synthesis.

Abstract

Recent advances in the oxidation reaction of alcohols by use of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) , and scope and limitations as well as characteristic feature of the method are surveyed. Emphasis is placed on the catalytic process by the aid of co-oxidants. Useful applications of this oxidation method to syntheses of various bioactive compounds and functionalized molecules are shown. Primary alcohols are oxidized to aldehdyes and to carboxylic acids, selectively. Secondary alcohols, more slowly than primary , can be oxidized to ketones in a slightly basic biphase solution.