Sarett reagent is a chemical reagent used in organic chemistry to oxidize primary and secondary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones, respectively. It is a complex of chromium(VI) oxide and pyridine in anhydrous conditions.

Key features of Sarett reagent:

• Composition: Chromium(VI) oxide (CrO₃) and pyridine (C₅H₅N).
• Function: Oxidizes alcohols to aldehydes or ketones.
• Solvent: Typically used in pyridine solvent.
• Advantages: It can be used to oxidize alcohols without over-oxidizing to carboxylic acids, which can happen with other oxidizing agents like Jones reagent.
• Disadvantages: The reagent is toxic, carcinogenic, and moisture-sensitive. It is also typically used in stoichiometric amounts, generating a large amount of chromium waste.

Due to the toxicity and other drawbacks of the Sarett reagent, alternative oxidizing agents like pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) or Swern oxidation are often preferred in modern organic synthesis.

More information can be found at:

• Organic Chemistry Portal - Sarett Oxidation
• Wikipedia - Sarett oxidation