A straightforward protocol for the electrochemical oxidation of the primary hydroxy group in glycopyranosides is presented. It uses aqueous ammonia as a base and electrolyte, reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrodes, and TEMPO as a mediator. The ammonium salts of the corresponding uronic acids are obtained in excellent yield upon evaporation of the volatiles.

An operationally simple protocol for the electrochemical oxidation of the primary hydroxy group in glycopyranosides is presented. The strategy uses aqueous ammonia as a base and electrolyte, reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrodes, and TEMPO as a mediator. Under these conditions, the ammonium salts of the corresponding uronic acids are obtained in excellent yield upon evaporation of the volatiles, rendering an exceptionally simple protocol.