A Simple and Highly Selective Biomimetic Oxidation of Alcohols with Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagent Catalyzed by β-Cyclodextrin in Water

A simple, mild and highly efficient biomimetic oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones with hypervalent iodine(III) reagent catalyzed by β-cyclodextrin was reported. β-cyclodextrin serves as a biological catalyst to enhance the reaction remarkably. The oxidation proceeded in water to afford aldehydes or ketones in excellent yields and high selectivity without remarkable over-oxidation to carboxylic acids. Selective oxidation of primary alcohols in the presence of secondary alcohols was also achieved. A possible mechanism for the oxidation was proposed. Graphical Abstract