Through an oxidation-reduction reaction sequence, Borneol is converted to isoborneol. First, borneol is oxidized through a reaction with sodium hypochlorite at 400C to form camphor. When the camphor is then reduced by sodium borohydride, isoborneol is formed. The percent yeild of isoborneol collected was 56.4%, and the melting point range was found to be between 174.2-179.90C. Through analysis of the product through 1H NMR spectroscopy the percent purity is found to be 77.2% pure isoborneol.

Introduction

Oxidation-reduction reactions can be used to stereochemically control and produce many different organic molecules. The oxidation step in this process increases the number of carbon oxygen bonds by losing a hydrogen and breaking that bond. Through the reduction step, carbon-oxygen bond is broken and the hydrogen is returned.

In the oxidation of borneol to camphor, a hydrogen is removed from the carbon attached to the hydroxy group. In order for the all the...