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Direct Oxidation of Primary Alcohols to Carboxylic Acids

Journal Article · · Synthesis
Abstract

Oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids is a fundamental transformation in organic chemistry, yet despite its simplicity, extensive use, and relationship to pH, it remains a subject of active research for synthetic organic chemists. Since 2013, a great number of new methods have emerged that utilize transition-metal compounds as catalysts for acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols to carboxylates. The interest in this reaction is explained by its atom economy, which is in accord with the principles of sustainability and green chemistry. Therefore, the methods for the direct synthesis of carboxylic acids from alcohols is ripe for a modern survey, which we provide in this review.

1 Introduction

2 Thermodynamics of Primary Alcohol Oxidation

3 Oxometalate Oxidation

4 Transfer Dehydrogenation

5 Acceptorless Dehydrogenation

6 Electrochemical Methods

7 Outlook

Research Organization:
Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
DOE Contract Number:
EE0008825
OSTI ID:
1848897
Journal Information:
Synthesis, Journal Name: Synthesis Journal Issue: 06 Vol. 53; ISSN 0039-7881
Publisher:
Thieme
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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