Oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols, using catalytic amounts of TEMPO and
tetra-n-butylammonium bromide in combination with periodic acid and wet alumina in dichloromethane
is described. This oxidizing system is compatible with a broad range of functional
groups and acid-sensitive protecting groups. Chemoselective oxidation of secondary
alcohols in the presence of primary alcohols was observed.
Key words
alcohols - chemoselectivity - oxidation - periodic acid - TEMPO