Tetrabutylammonium Chlorochromate is used as a mild and selective oxidizing agent for benzylic and allylic alcohols; can oxidize thiols.
Tetrabutylammonium Chlorochromate is nonhygroscopic, but must be stored in the absence of light, since it slowly darkens within weeks, although without losing its oxidizing power. Reaction solvents must be anhydrous and free of reducing impurities. Tetrabutylammonium chlorochromate is reported to be a toxic agent. Use in a fume hood.
It recrystallises from EtOAc/hexane. IR max 920cm1 in CHCl3 [Santaniello Synthesis 749 1983, Fieser & Fieser Reagents for Org Synth 12 458]. Powerful oxidant and possible carcinogen.
