Organic Synthesis

The Dess-Martin Periodinane (DMP), a hypervalent iodine compound, offers selective and very mild oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes or ketones.

The oxidation is performed in dichloromethane or chloroform at room temperature, and is usually complete within 0.5 - 2 hours. Products are easily separated from the iodo-compound byproduct after basic work-up.

The Dess-Martin oxidation may be preferable to other oxidation reactions as it is very mild, avoids the use of toxic chromium reagents, does not require large excess or co-oxidants, and for its ease of work up.