# Evolution of Methods for the Oxidation of Primary Alcohols to Carboxylic Acids: From Metal Oxides to Biocatalysis

## TL;DR

This paper reviews methods for converting primary alcohols to carboxylic acids, highlighting advances from chemical to biocatalytic approaches.

## Contribution

The paper systematically categorizes and evaluates oxidation methods, emphasizing sustainability and selectivity improvements.

## Key findings

- Chemical oxidation methods have evolved toward more selective and sustainable catalytic systems.
- Biocatalytic strategies offer improved practical utility and environmental benefits.
- One-pot approaches using structured oxidants have enhanced efficiency in carboxylic acid synthesis.

## Abstract

Carboxylic acids
are central building blocks in fine
chemical synthesis.
Although the direct oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids
appears straightforward from a retrosynthetic perspective, it is often
associated with significant challenges. In this Perspective, we discuss
concepts of one-pot approaches for the oxidation of primary alcohols
to carboxylic acids. These approaches are grouped into chemical and
biocatalytic concepts, which are structured according to the stoichiometric
oxidant employed. The evolution of these methods is traced from traditional
chemical oxidations to modern catalytic and biocatalytic strategies,
underscoring the parallel shift in oxidant selection and the resulting
improvements in selectivity, practical utility, and sustainability.