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Oppenauer oxidation

noun Op·pen·auer oxidation \ ˈäpəˌnau̇(ə)r , -au̇ə- \

Definition of Oppenauer oxidation

: the oxidation of a saturated or unsaturated secondary alcohol (as cholesterol) to the corresponding ketone by reaction with acetone or other ketone in the presence of aluminum tert-butoxide or aluminum isopropoxide — compare meerwein-ponndorf reaction

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Origin and Etymology of oppenauer oxidation

after Rupert V. Oppenaur 20th century Austrian chemist

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