The synthetic use of molecular iodine is described. Iodine is a universal oxidizing
agent, especially for the oxidation of alcohols and aldehydes to esters, nitriles
and amides. Further applications are the introduction of protecting groups, deprotection,
iodocyclization, C-C bond formation, and formation of heterocycles.
iodine - oxidation - protection - deprotection - iodocyclization - heterocycles