Chemoselective Oxidations in Water of Functional Groups

Abstract

The organic functional groups, formyl, cyano, hydroxymethyl and methylsulfenyl, are oxidized with high yields in water only by using TBHP and controlling the pH of the reaction medium. In the presence of (CTA)₂SO₄, the oxidation of the easily oxidizable sulfide group is prevented and a highly chemoselective process is obtained. The role of the surfactant is discussed.