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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Oxidative cleavage?

Also known as: ozonolysis

Definition 21.11 University Chemistry — Year 2 · Chapter 21 — Oxidation and Reduction of Alkenes

An oxidative cleavage breaks both bonds of a C=C\ce{C=C} double bond and turns each carbon into a carbonyl or carboxyl group. In an ozonolysis, the alkene reacts with ozone and the intermediate ozonide is decomposed in a second step, the work-up.

Ozonolysis of 2-methylbut-2-ene with a reducing work-up: propanone and ethanal. Joining the two carbonyl carbons back by a double bond rebuilds the alkene.
Ozonolysis of 2-methylbut-2-ene with a reducing work-up: propanone and ethanal. Joining the two carbonyl carbons back by a double bond rebuilds the alkene.
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