Lewis acid assisted permanganate oxidations

Lewis acids combine with permanganate in acetone solutions to form a complex that has enhanced oxidizing capabilities. The use of Lewis acids under these conditions to promote permanganate oxidations is superior to the use of Bronsted acids because the latter promote enolization of the solvent and subsequent unproductive reduction of the oxidant. The products obtained from a variety of alkenes, alkynes, arenes, sulfides, alcohols and ethers have been identified and probable reaction mechanisms proposed.