SELECTIVE OXIDATION OF TRITERPENES EMPLOYING TEMPO

摘要

The present invention provides a process of preparing betulin-28-aldehyde from betulin. The process includes contacting betulin with a compound of formula (I), e.g., TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl) for a period of time effective to provide betulin-28-aldehyde. The present invention also provides a process of preparing betulinic acid. The process includes contacting betulin with a composition that includes: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); sodium chlorite (NaClO<SUB>2</SUB>), potassium chlorite (KClO<SUB>2</SUB>), or a combination thereof; and a compound of formula (I), e.g., TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl); for a period of time effective to provide betulinic acid.