N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylenediamine dioxide (TMEDAO2) facilitates atom economical/open atmosphere Ley–Griffith (TPAP) tandem oxidation-Wittig reactions

Abstract

N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylethylenediamine dioxide (TMEDAO₂) was explored as a more atom economical co-oxidant for the Ley–Griffith oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes. TMEDAO₂ was found to selectivity oxidise benzylic and allylic alcohols in comparable yields to that of the standard Ley–Griffith co-oxidant (NMO). Importantly TMEDAO₂ facilitated tandem Ley–Griffith-Wittig reactions with stabilised ylides, in good to excellent yields, without the requirement of anhydrous conditions.