Oppenauer oxidation is a useful organic reaction for converting alcohols into their corresponding aldehydes or ketones by using aluminum isopropoxide as a catalyst. Some synonyms for Oppenauer oxidation include Oppenauer's method, Oppenauer reduction, aluminum isopropoxide oxidation, and aluminum isopropoxide reduction. The reaction is also known as the hydride transfer reaction or the Oppenauer dehydrogenation. This important chemical transformation has applications in the synthesis of many natural compounds, pharmaceuticals, and in the production of fine chemicals. Oppenauer oxidation is named after its discoverer, the Austrian chemist, Hans Oppenauer.