2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl (TEMPO)

Abstract

(A) TEMPO and some 4-derivatives are widely used in the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids, in moderate to excellent yields. They are used in stoichiometric amounts or, most commonly, as catalysts in combination with a second oxidant such as sodium hypochlorite. Remarkably, primary alcohols are selectively oxidised in presence of secondary alcohols or other oxidisable moieties.