Jones Oxidation: Alcohol to Carbonyl

Click the structures and reaction arrows in sequence to view the 3D models and animations respectively

The Cr₂O₇^2- ion (Cr VI) forms HCrO_4^– in acidic aqueous solution, which can eliminate a molecule of water to give the reagent CrO₃. This then oxidises alcohols to a aldehydes and ketones via the chromate ester intermediate. The reduced chromium Cr (IV) can undergo series of reactions bringing it ultimately to the Cr (III) oxidation state.

K. Bowden, I. M. Heilbron, E. R. H. Jones and B. C. L. Weedon, J. Chem. Soc., 1946, 0, 39.

E. J. Corey and G. Schmidt, Tetrahedron Lett., 1979, 20, 399–402.