Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols

Date of Award

5-2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Linda Farber, Ph.D.

Abstract

Microwave-assisted organic synthesis decreases reaction time and often increases reaction yield in comparison to conventional methods. Microwave heating reduces reaction time by efficiently dispersing thermal energy uniformly and accelerating the reaction rate by the thermal, specific thermal and non-thermal microwave effect. Oxidation reactions of secondary alcohols (9-fluorenol, benzhydrol, 1-indanol) with chromium trioxide resin (polymer-supported chromic acid) in dichloromethane were studied. These reactions were optimized for amount of reagent, time, and temperature. After optimization of the microwave assisted oxidation reactions, the conditions were compared to conventional methods. The optimum microwave reactions, the conditions were compared to conventional methods. The optimum microwave conditions for the oxidation of all the studied secondary alcohols were 10 minutes and 120 °C with 650 mg CrO₃ resin at 1000 W. Almost a 98% reduction in reaction time was observed (420 minutes maximum to 10 minutes) when comparing conventional to microwave methods.

Comments

Master's thesis submitted to the faculty of Sacred Heart University's Chemistry Program in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Chemistry.

Share

COinS