| Abstract: | ABSTRACT The use of a phase transfer catalyst, benzyltriethylammonium chloride (BTEAC), is described in conjunction with the ruthenium dioxide/periodate : water/chloroform system for the oxidation of carbohydrate alcohols to the corresponding ketone, aldehyde, or carboxylic acid. The method was found to be applicable to carbohydrates appropriately protected as acetals, ethers, or containing a benzoyloxy group not positioned to readily undergo β-elimination. While the method was very suitable for the oxidation of carbohydrate secondary alcohols to ketones, it was found to be less suitable for the oxidation of a carbohydrate primary alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde or carboxylic acid. Evidence presented suggests that under the mildly basic conditions of the reaction, ruthenium tetraoxide is converted to ruthenate and perruthenate ions in the aqueous solution and then the perruthenate ion is carried by the phase transfer catalyst into the organic layer where oxidation of the substrate occurs. A number of examples illustrating the scope of the method are presented. |
