Definition of Dihydroxylation



Dihydroxylation is a chemical process through which an alkene is converted into another chemical species known as a vicinal diol. A transition metal that has a high oxidation state is usually used in this reaction such as osmium and manganese.

 


This metal is used as a catalyst along with some other oxidant which brings about oxidation reactions of the alkenes. The reaction proceeds as a ligand and the catalyst coordinate. The alkene that is to be converted then reacts with the metal and the catalyst is removed. Hydrolysis of the olefin takes place and vicinal diol is produced as a result.

 

Dihydroxylation Reaction

 

 

 


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