Corey-Schmidt Oxidation
General Scheme of Corey-Schmidt Oxidation
Finding the Correct Product for a 1° Alcohol
Assume you've been given this question: What do you do?
Identify the Reagents
Corey-Schmidt Oxidation uses PDC (Pyridinium Dichromate) which is a salt soluble in halogenated organic solvents such as DCM which allows anhydrous reaction. It reacts similar to PCC and is more suited for acid sensitive compounds
Identify the Key Features of the Compound
Alcohol Type
These are the 3 main types of alcohols: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.
- Secondary alcohols can go through Corey-Schmidt Oxidation to become a Ketone.
- Primary alcohols can go through Corey-Schmidt Oxidation to become an Aldehyde.
By Identifying the Alcohol Type, you now know the product to expect.
Side Chain and Product
1° (Primary) Alcohols always yield an Aldehyde
Identify Colored Side Chains: Recognize the colored side chains in the diagrams. These colors are placeholders representing R groups on both sides of the Ketone or a singular R group on one side of the Aldehyde that remain unchanged during the reaction.
Understand Their Role: The colored side chains help track which parts of the molecule on both sides of the Ketone or a singular R group on one side of the Aldehyde are not involved in the reaction. They stay constant, ensuring clarity in following the chemical changes.
Focus on the Reaction Center: Concentrate on the alcohol group, which undergoes oxidation to become a ketone or aldehyde. The side chains, highlighted in colors, will guide you in visualizing the molecular structure before and after the reaction.
Reassign Side Chains: Once the reaction is complete, use the colored side chains to reattach them conceptually to the new ketone or aldehyde, demonstrating the selective nature of this oxidation without altering the side chains’ position or identity.
Remember, the colored side chains are visual tools to help you understand and follow the molecular changes during the Corey-Schmidt Oxidation.
- Corey-Schmidt Oxidation is always carried out in mild [O] conditions.
- Side chain (R) remains the same the entire reaction.
- The 1° (Primary) alcohol is the section of the molecule that undergoes change.
Disclaimer Warning for Writing Products
Aldehydes and Ketones may be presented differently in different questions but in the end they are all the same
How do I perform the Mechanism?
Formation of Reactive Intermediate and Stabilization
Alcohol group (-OH) performs a nucleophilic attack on the Chromium left-center of the PDC molecule. This interaction results in the formation of a complex where the alcohol is temporarily bonded to Chromium. The intermediate is subsequently stabilized via proton transfer
Elimination of Chromic Acid Derivative
Elimination of chromic acid derivative via protonation and atom rearrangement in reactive intermediate
Product Formation
Aldehyde Product Formation via Cleavage of Hydrated Chromium(IV) Oxide
Build the Overall Product
Rebuilding Process of the Target Compound
The side chains are colored to denote unchanging R groups. Observe how the alcohol group is selectively oxidized to form the aldehyde. The colors help you visually track and reposition these side chains after the reaction, showing the specificity of the oxidation.
Mechanism for 2° Alcohol
Assume you've been given this question: What do you do?
Identify the Side Chains and Alcohol Type
Rebuilding Process of the Target Compound
The side chains are colored to denote unchanging R groups. Observe how the alcohol group is selectively oxidized to form the ketone. The colors help you visually track and reposition these side chains after the reaction, showing the specificity of the oxidation.
Perform the Mechanism: Form Intermediate and Stabilize it
The steps are the same as the mechanism of a primary alcohol, just add an extra side chain group in your mechanism
Elimination of Chromic Acid Derivative
Elimination of chromic acid derivative via protonation and atom rearrangement in reactive intermediate
Product Formation
Ketone Product Formation via Cleavage of Hydrated Chromium(IV) Oxide
Build the Overall Product
Start with the Ketone produced and sequentially attach each unchanged side chain to form the product you made in step 1. This animation shows the selective nature of the reaction and how the original structure dictates the final product's configuration. Ensure correct placement of each side chain to maintain the molecule's integrity
Sample Problems
Predict the Product
Guess the Product
Reveal the Answer
This compound had a secondary alcohol that was oxidized to a Ketone
Mechanism Problems
Propose a Mechanism for this Reaction
Reveal the Answer
Colored side chains in these diagrams represent constant R groups. Focus on the central alcohol, which transforms into a ketone or aldehyde. Use the colored chains to track and restore these groups post-reaction, highlighting the selective oxidation process.
Form the Final Product
This should form the expected Ketone product as a result of oxidation of the primary alcohol on this compound.
Links for Educators
We aim for our Corey-Schmidt Oxidation resources to empower educators and students to deepen their understanding of selective oxidation processes. Through detailed diagrams and streamlined explanations, we hope to simplify complex concepts, enhancing both teaching and learning in organic chemistry.