Direct Oxidation of Primary Alcohols to Carboxylic Acids

Abstract Oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids is a fundamental transformation in organic chemistry, yet despite its simplicity, extensive use, and relationship to pH, it remains a subject of active research for synthetic organic chemists. Since 2013, a great number of new methods have emerged that utilize transition-metal compounds as catalysts for acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols to carboxylates. The interest in this reaction is explained by its atom economy, which is in accord with the principles of sustainability and green chemistry. Therefore, the methods for the direct synthesis of carboxylic acids from alcohols is ripe for a modern survey, which we provide in this review. 1 Introduction 2 Thermodynamics of Primary Alcohol Oxidation 3 Oxometalate Oxidation 4 Transfer Dehydrogenation 5 Acceptorless Dehydrogenation 6 Electrochemical Methods 7 Outlook