PDC Oxidation

  
   
 

Pyridinium dichromate (PDC) is used to carry out selective oxidations of primary alcohols to aldehydes.

Mechanism

  
 
  • The alcohol and dichromate form a chromium(VI) monoester.
  • This reacts intramolecularly to release the leaving group.
  • Finally chromic (IV) acid is released, and the corresponding aldehyde is formed.