A New and Efficient Heterogeneous System for the Oxidative Cleavage of 1,2-Diols and the Oxidation of Hydroquinones

Abstract

Sodium periodate/wet silica gel in the presence of dichloromethane is an efficient reagent for the oxidative cleavage of 1,2-diols and the oxidation of hydroquinones. This easily prepared reagent provides a good alternative of classical metaperiodate oxidation, especially for the preparation of aldehydes, which easily form hydrates.