Swern Oxidation: Mild Alcohol → Carbonyl (DMSO-Based Mechanism)

Learn the Swern oxidation mechanism: DMSO activation, alkoxysulfonium formation, base-induced elimination, and why it's mild and selective.

• Reaction: ROH → aldehyde/ketone
• What it does: Mild oxidation that avoids heavy metals
• Typical reagents: 1) (COCl)2, DMSO, −78°C 2) Et3N
• Key intermediate: Alkoxysulfonium ion
• Driving force: Elimination gives C=O + DMS byproduct
• Exam type: Mechanism steps
• Exam type: Reagent selection