Tetra-n-butylammonium perruthenate

Modern variations include the in situ, and thus catalytic, use of this high-valent selective reagent, not only for alcohols but also for ethers (see later). Ru(VII) (perruthenate) in the compounds tetra-n-butylammonium perruthenate (TBAP) and tetra-n-propylammonium perruthenate (TPAP) has found wide application in alcohol oxidation. Ru-oxo complexes with valence states of IV to VI are key intermediates in, for example, the selective oxygen transfer to alkenes, leading to epoxides. On the other hand 16-electron Ru(II) complexes can be used to catalyse hydrogen transfer thus these are excellent catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of alcohols. A separate section is included to describe the different mechanisms in more detail. 

Griffith, W.P., S.V. Ley, G.P. Whitocomb, and A.D. White Preparation and Use of tetra n-butylammonium Perruthenate (TBAP reagent) and Tetra-n-Propylammon-... 

After desilylation with tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride and oxidation with tetra-n-propylammonium perruthenate the dialdehyde 23 was obtained in 32% overall yield. 

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