Oppenauer oxidation

noun

Op·​pen·​auer oxidation

ˈäpəˌnau̇(ə)r,

-au̇ə-

: the oxidation of a saturated or unsaturated secondary alcohol (as cholesterol) to the corresponding ketone by reaction with acetone or other ketone in the presence of aluminum tert-butoxide or aluminum isopropoxide compare meerwein-ponndorf reaction

Word History

Etymology

after Rupert V. Oppenaur 20th century Austrian chemist

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