We present a simple, mild, and highly effective method for the direct conversion of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids. TPAP serves as the catalyst, and NMO·H(2)O plays a dual role, acting as the co-oxidant and as a reagent for aldehyde hydrate stabilization. This previously unknown stabilizing effect of geminal diols by N-oxides is the key for the efficiency of the overall transformation.

This review focuses on the application of glycol cleavage reactions in the synthesis and derivatization of complex natural products. Reagent classics as well as recent developments are discussed.

A new method to accomplish glycol cleavage to carboxylic (di)acids in one step using catalytic amounts of tetrapropylammonium perruthenate (TPAP) together with N-methylmorpholine N-Oxide (NMO) as the stoichiometric oxidant is presented. In addition to regenerating the active catalyst, the N-oxide stabilizes intermediary carbonyl hydrates and thereby shifts a crucial equilibrium. The mild oxidation protocol is applicable to a broad range of substrates providing the respective acids, diacids, or keto acids in high yields.