Selective MnO2 Oxidation of Alcohols

Activated manganese(IV) oxide, or MnO2, is a selective oxidizing agent for allylic and benzylic alcohols. It changes primary allylic alcohols into aldehydes and secondary allylic alcohols into ketones. The reaction happens by a radical pathway, so the carbon next to the alcohol group plays a key role.

Allylic and benzylic alcohols undergo selective oxidation by activated manganese (IV) dioxide via a radical intermediate.

Primary allylic alcohols give aldehydes, and secondary allylic alcohols form ketones.

Activated MnO2 is prepared by an oxidation-reduction reaction when a Mn⁺² salt, such as manganese sulfate, reacts ...