TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl) an Important Reagent in Alcohol Oxidation and its Application in Synthesis of Natural Products

The oxidation of alcohols is a fundamental transformation in organic synthesis and a large number of reagents have been developed for this purpose. In spite of the different methodologies, the modern organic synthesis still requires more efficient oxidant reagents. In this context, TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine- N-oxyl) has emerged as the chosen reagent. The aim of this review is to highlight the TEMPO oxidation as a very important procedure in the synthesis of natural products accomplished between 2000 and 2004.