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Related Concept Videos

Reactions at the Benzylic Position: Oxidation and Reduction00:59

Reactions at the Benzylic Position: Oxidation and Reduction

The benzylic position describes the position of a carbon atom attached directly to a benzene ring. Benzene by itself does not undergo oxidation. In contrast, the benzylic carbon is quite reactive in the presence of strong oxidizing agents such as KMnO4 or H2CrO4. Therefore, alkylbenzenes are readily oxidized to benzoic acid, irrespective of the type of alkyl groups.
Reactions at the Benzylic Position: Halogenation01:11

Reactions at the Benzylic Position: Halogenation

Benzylic halogenation takes place under conditions that favor radical reactions such as heat, light, or a free radical initiator like peroxide.
Oxidation of Alkenes: Anti Dihydroxylation with Peroxy Acids02:04

Oxidation of Alkenes: Anti Dihydroxylation with Peroxy Acids

Diols are compounds with two hydroxyl groups. In addition to syn dihydroxylation, diols can also be synthesized through the process of anti dihydroxylation. The process involves treating an alkene with a peroxycarboxylic acid to form an epoxide. Epoxides are highly strained three-membered rings with oxygen and two carbons occupying the corners of an equilateral triangle. This step is followed by ring-opening of the epoxide in the presence of an aqueous acid to give a trans diol.
Radical Oxidation of Allylic and Benzylic Alcohols01:21

Radical Oxidation of Allylic and Benzylic Alcohols

Activated manganese(IV) oxide can selectively oxidize allylic and benzylic alcohols via a radical intermediate mechanism. Primary allylic alcohols are oxidized to aldehydes, while secondary allylic alcohols yield ketones. The redox reaction of potassium permanganate with an Mn(II) salt such as manganese sulfate (under either alkaline or acidic conditions), followed by thorough drying, yields the oxidizing agent: activated MnO2. While MnO2 is insoluble in the solvents used for the reaction, the...
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide02:44

Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide

Alkenes are converted to 1,2-diols or glycols through a process called dihydroxylation. It involves the addition of two hydroxyl groups across the double bond with two different stereochemical approaches, namely anti and syn. Dihydroxylation using osmium tetroxide progresses with syn stereochemistry.
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Sulfonation of Benzene01:22

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Sulfonation of Benzene

Sulfonation of benzene is a reaction wherein benzene is treated with fuming sulfuric acid at room temperature to produce benzenesulfonic acid. Fuming sulfuric acid is a mixture of sulfur trioxide and concentrated sulfuric acid.

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Updated: May 29, 2026

Synthesis of Antiviral Tetrahydrocarbazole Derivatives by Photochemical and Acid-catalyzed C-H Functionalization via Intermediate Peroxides (CHIPS)
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Synthesis of Antiviral Tetrahydrocarbazole Derivatives by Photochemical and Acid-catalyzed C-H Functionalization via Intermediate Peroxides (CHIPS)

Published on: June 20, 2014

Deprotonative Single-Electron Oxidation as a General and Controllably Selective Platform for Benzylic C-H

Nicholas J Coradi1, Jeffrey S Bandar1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States.

Journal of the American Chemical Society
|May 28, 2026
PubMed
Summary

A novel strategy generates benzyl radicals via deprotonation and oxidation, enabling selective functionalization. This method improves tolerance for sensitive groups and offers tunable site-selectivity for diverse applications.

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Facile Preparation of (2Z,4E)-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate
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Facile Preparation of (2Z,4E)-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate

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Facile Preparation of (2Z,4E)-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate
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Facile Preparation of (2Z,4E)-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate

Published on: June 21, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Radical Chemistry

Background:

  • Benzyl radical generation is crucial for C-H functionalization.
  • Existing methods often lack selectivity or functional group tolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a new strategy for benzyl radical generation.
  • To achieve improved selectivity and functional group tolerance in C-H functionalization.

Main Methods:

  • Consecutive deprotonation using an HMDS base and single-electron oxidation.
  • Capture of the benzyl carbanionic intermediate with TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl).

Main Results:

  • The method enables selective radical coupling, avoiding dimerization.
  • High functional group tolerance and site-selectivity control were achieved.
  • Applicable to alkylarenes with high oxidation potentials and sensitive functional groups.

Conclusions:

  • This protocol offers a versatile approach for benzyl-OTMP unit installation.
  • Tunable site-selectivity can be achieved by adjusting base strength.
  • Enhances benzylic C-H diversification for complex molecule synthesis.