Transition metal-free oxidation of activated alcohols to aldehydes and ketones in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol

A simple and convenient procedure for the oxidation of various benzylic, allylic and some aliphatic alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds is described using sodium hypochlorite as the oxidant in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol without use of a catalyst or any other additive. The solvent can be readily recovered from reaction products in excellent purity for direct reuse.