Catalytic Oxidation of Tetrahydrofuran in the Presence of Transition Metal Complexes under Aerobic Conditions

Abstract

Upon stirring a THF solution of a transition metal under an aerobic atmosphere, γ-butyrolactone and a small amount of lactol and 4-hydroxybutyraldehyde are formed; the turnover number of this catalytic oxidation process can reach 150 when IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ is used.

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