Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation: Ketones → Esters/Lactones (Migration Rules)

Master Baeyer–Villiger oxidation. Peracid addition, Criegee intermediate, migratory aptitude, and how to predict lactone products.

• Reaction: Ketone → ester (or lactone)
• What it does: Inserts O next to carbonyl via rearrangement
• Typical reagents: mCPBA or peracids (RCO3H)
• Key intermediate: Criegee intermediate
• Driving force: Collapse to ester + carboxylic acid; relief of charge separation
• Exam type: Regiochemistry (migration)
• Exam type: Mechanism reasoning