Download PDF
Synlett 2007(20): 3224-3225  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-990887
SPOTLIGHT
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Use of Molecular Oxygen in Organic Synthesis

Gaj Stavber*
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
e-Mail: gaj.stavber@fkkt.uni-lj.si;
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
03 December 2007 (online)

   Permissions and Reprints All articles of this category

Introduction

The use of molecular oxygen for transformation of organic compounds is an attractive and challenging research subject which is especially interesting for industrial application. Molecular oxygen is inexpensive, readily available and ultimately produces benign byproducts such as water. The development of efficient protocols using O2 as an oxidant is a subject of great importance also from the viewpoint of green approach to organic synthesis. Transformations of organic compounds with O2 need catalysis in order to promote both the rate of reaction and the selectivity to partial oxidation products. The catalysts are usually transition metals, often as organometallic complexes [1] or as solid-supported species, [2] while NaNO2 as non-metal catalyst for aerobic transformation of organic compounds was recently promoted. [3] From the green chemistry point of view the ideal system for oxidation is the use of O2 together with a reusable catalyst in a non-toxic and non-volatile medium like water or ionic liquids or even under solvent-free conditions. [4]

The present spotlight emphasises recent developments in the use of molecular oxygen for oxidation of benzene and its alkyl-substituted derivatives, alkenes, alcohols, sulphides and amines; special attention was also devoted to its application in oxidative halogenation of organic compounds.