Sodium Bromate in Organic Synthesis: from Oxidation to Organic Transformations (A Review)

Abstract

Sodium bromate has emerged as a versatile reagent in recent decades. Beyond routine laboratory applications, it is utilized commercially in the dye industry, for sulfur oxidation, and in cosmetics. In combination with specific acids and salts, it serves as an efficient oxidant. Sodium bromate mediates the oxidation of benzylic positions to alcohols, as well as primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes and ketones. Furthermore, sulfides, tellurides, and phosphines are efficiently converted to sulfoxides, sulfones, telluroxides, and phosphine oxides, respectively. Sodium bromate has also demonstrated high efficacy in various transformations facilitated by ionic liquids. Its high stability, low cost, and ready availability make it an attractive oxidant and brominating agent. These reactions are typically performed at room temperature across various media, with optimal results generally achieved in acetonitrile, aqueous acetonitrile, or water alone. In addition to its industrial utility in cosmetics, dyeing, and gold ore processing, the use of sodium bromate in organic synthesis warrants further exploration as a cost-effective, easily handled alternative to elemental bromine.