Question

For oxidizing alcohols, several oxidants – each with a multivalent central atom as the active species – can be used. When DMSO, with S as the multivalent atom is used in Swern oxidation, how many bonds to oxygen atoms does each central multivalent atom have just before and immediately after the oxidation respectively?

• A. 2 – before, 0 – after
• B. 6 – before, 4 – after
• C. 4 – before, 2 – after
• D. 5 – before, 3 – after

Answer 1

The correct option is A

2 – before, 0 – after

2 bonds with oxygen before; and no bonds with oxygen after.