DMSO/N2H4•H2O/I2/H2O/CH3CN:: A new system for selective oxidation of alcohols in hydrated media

A new alternative system for the oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones with DMSO/N2H4-H2O/I-2/H2O/CH3CN in hydrated media has been developed. The system also selectively oxidizes the secondary alcoholic groups to the corresponding ketones in the presence of primary alcoholic groups present within the same molecule in moderate to very good yields at reflux temperature.