Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids

Here, the first copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids with TEMPO and KHSO4 as the co-catalysts has been developed. The reaction exhibits excellent substrate scope and functional group compatibility under mild conditions. Even the very sensitive chiral alcohols, chiral amino alcohols, and alcohol-containing steroid skeletons may be oxidized to afford the corresponding carboxylic acids or lactones without racemization.

Automated summary

In this article, a copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids with TEMPO and KHSO4 as co-catalysts is reported. The reaction demonstrates excellent substrate scope and functional group compatibility under mild conditions. Even sensitive chiral alcohols, chiral amino alcohols, and alcohol-containing steroid skeletons can be oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acids or lactones without racemization.