Sarett oxidation

The unadulterated reaction is still occasionally used in teaching settings and in small scale laboratory research.

The first description of its use appears in a 1953 article[3] co-authored by Sarett that relates to the synthesis of adrenal steroids.

One such recent improvement reduced the likelihood of explosion by using chromic anhydride granules that would immediately sink below the surface of the cooled pyridine upon addition.

[7] The original Collins oxidation calls for the Sarett reagent to be removed from the excess pyridine and dissolved in the less basic methylene chloride.

The 1970 Ratcliffe variation reduced the risk of explosion by calling for the Sarett reagent to be made in situ.

This was achieved by creating the Sarett reagent according to the original protocol using a stirred mixture of pyridine and methylene chloride.

[6] The Sarett oxidation also proceeds under basic conditions, which allows for the use of acid sensitive substrates, such as those containing certain protecting groups.