Reaction Mechanism
The reaction mechanism of the Sharpless dihydroxylation begins with the formation of the osmium tetroxide - ligand complex (2). A -cycloaddition with the alkene (3) gives the cyclic intermediate 4. Basic hydrolysis liberates the diol (5) and the reduced osmate (6). Finally, the stoichiometric oxidant regenerates the osmium tetroxide - ligand complex (2).
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