One-pot conversion of primary alcohols to α-oxygenated alkanals with tempo in combination with molecular oxygen and ruthenium complex

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)00519-I

Reaction of primary alcohols with an oxidizing system composed of 4-BzOTEMPO (2 equiv.), RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ as a catalyst, and molecular oxygen leads to concomitant oxidation and substitution, giving the corresponding α-oxygenated alkanals. Similar reaction of secondary alcohols terminates at the stage of oxidation of hydroxyl group, forming the ketones, selectively.