An efficient C-C bond cleavage of 1,2-diols using tetraethylammonium superoxide

Abstract

Tetraethylammonium superoxide, generated in situ by the phase-transfer reaction of potassium superoxide and tetraethylammonium bromide in DMF, brings about an easy cleavage of vicinal diols and related dihydroxy arenes under mild reaction conditions, at room temperature.