Synlett 2002(8): 1293-1295
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-32951
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Tandem Oxidation Processes: The Direct Conversion of Activated Alcohols into Esters and Amides

Jonathan S. Foota, Hisashi Kannoa, Gerard M. P. Giblinb, Richard J. K. Taylor*a
a Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
Fax: +44(1904)434523; e-Mail: rjkt1@york.ac.uk;
b GlaxoSmithKline, The Frythe, Welwyn, Herts AL6 9AR, UK
Further Information

Publication History

Received 19 April 2002
Publication Date:
25 July 2002 (online)

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Abstract

The direct conversion of primary alcohols into methyl esters and amides using manganese dioxide and sodium cyanide with methanol or the appropriate amine is reported. These transformations, which proceed via an in situ four step, double oxidation sequence, have been applied to a range of benzylic, heterocyclic, allylic and propargylic alcohols.