History Sarett_oxidation

molecular structure of sarett/collins reagent

the reaction named after american chemist lewis hastings sarett (1917–1999). first description of use appears in 1953 article co-authored sarett relates synthesis of adrenal steroids. paper proposes use of pyridine chromium complex cro3-2c5h5n oxidize primary , secondary alcohols. complex later become known sarett reagent .

modifications , improvements

although sarett reagent gives yields of ketones, conversion of primary alcohols less efficient. furthermore, isolation of products reaction solution can difficult. these limitations lead 1968 introduction of collins oxidation, improved overall yields , separation primary alcohols. so-called collins reagent identical sarett reagent (cro3-2c5h5n). collins oxidation varies sarett oxidation in uses methylene chloride improved solvent sarett reagent, instead of original pyridine. proposed methods of executing collins , sarett oxidations still not ideal however, sarett reagent s hygroscopic, , pyrophoric properties make difficult prepare. issues lead improvement of collins oxidation protocol in 1970 known ratcliffe variant, commonly used oxidation technique uses sarett reagent.