MILD OXIDATION OF ALLYLIC AND BENZYLIC ALCOHOLS WITH 5-ARYLIDENE BARBITURIC ACID DERIVATIVES AS A MODEL OF REDOX COENZYMES

Abstract

Under neutral conditions 5-arylidene 1, 3-dimethylbarbituric acid effectively oxidizes allylic and benzylic alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds.There is a close relationship between oxidizing ability and electron density on the aromatic ring. The mechanism of this oxidation involves hydride transfer from the alcohol.