Electrochemical oxidation of sec-alcohols with MgBr2·6H2O

Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation of sec-alcohols has been achieved using MgBr₂·6H₂O as an inexpensive active bromine source and electrolyte under constant current conditions. The reactions smoothly proceed in a simple undivided cell, and aliphatic/benzylic sec-alcohols bearing heteroaromatics as well as aryl and alkyl groups are successfully converted to the corresponding ketones in good to excellent yields. In addition, the present reaction conditions selectively transform a secondary hydroxy moiety over different classes of hydroxy groups.