Chloroperoxidase-catalysed oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes

Chloroperoxidase (CPO) catalyses the oxidation of primary alcohols (hexan-1-ol, hexen-1-ols, epoxyhexan-1-ols and 3-phenylglycidol) selectively to the aldehyde in biphasic systems of hexane or ethyl acetate and a buffer (pH 5.0). The cis to trans isomerization in the case of cis-2-hexenal can be avoided by working at low water contents or in organic solvents saturated with water. In the case of epoxyalcohols, oxidation to the aldehyde proceeds enantioselectively. Hydrogen peroxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide have been used as an oxidant. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.