Selectivity of Oxidizing Agents toward Axial and Equatorial Hydroxyl Groups

J Org Chem. 2022 Jul 15;87(14):9157-9170. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c00877. Epub 2022 Jul 1.

Abstract

A total of 16 oxidizing reagents were screened to compare their oxidation selectivities for axial and equatorial hydroxyl moieties using steroidal methyl chenodeoxycholate, methyl deoxycholate, and 4-tert-butylcyclohexanol (cis/trans 1:1 mixture). These compounds were selected for their stable chair conformations. The results of our study demonstrated that, for the oxidation of a scaffold bearing both axial and equatorial hydroxyl groups, nitroxide-radical-based reagents should be the first choice if oxidation of the equatorial hydroxyl group is needed and Stevens or Dess-Martin reagents should be the first choice for the preferential oxidation of the axial hydroxyl group.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Hydroxyl Radical*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Oxidants*
  • Oxidation-Reduction

Substances

  • Oxidants
  • Hydroxyl Radical