Swern Oxidation
Swern oxidation oxidises secondary alcohols into ketones using oxalyl chloride and dimethylsulfoxide. It also requires an organic base, such as triethylamine.
The by-products are dimethyl sulfide (Me2S), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and – when triethylamine is used as base – triethylammonium chloride (C6H15NHCl). Dimethyl sulfide and carbon monoxide are very toxic and volatile compounds, so the reaction and the work-up needs to be performed in a fume cupboard.
Read more about this topic: Oxidation Of Secondary Alcohols To Ketones