Microwave‐Assisted Selenium Dioxide Oxidation of Camphor Derivatives to α‐Dicarbonyl Compounds and Oxoimines

Abstract

Camphor‐derived α‐dicarbonyl compounds and 3‐oxo‐camphorsulfonylimine have been synthesized from the corresponding ketones or sulfonylimine by microwave‐assisted oxidation with selenium dioxide. Compared to the classical reaction conditions, good yields were obtained in much shorter reaction times. Additionally, the selenium precipitation is more quantitative, and its removal from the reaction mixture is easier.

Keywords:

• Diketones
• microwave irradiation
• oxoimines
• selenium dioxide

Acknowledgment

The authors are grateful to Personal Chemistry/Biotage for the provision of a Smith Creator™ microwave reactor and to the Nuffield Foundation for a science bursary.