PCC-mediated novel oxidation reactions of homobenzylic and homoallylic alcohols

A new PCC-mediated carboncarbon bond cleavage reaction during oxidation of homobenzylic alcohols leading to the formation of benzylic carbonyl compounds has been observed. Homobenzylic alcohols with no benzylic substitution (R1=H) gave benzylic aldehydes without further oxidation, while those with benzylic substitution (R1=Me, Et, Ar) gave benzylic ketones. In contrast, homoallylic alcohols gave products arising from double bond migration, cis- to trans-olefin isomerization and/or allylic oxidation.