Mechanism of Ozonolysis

Abstract The formation of ozonides (1,2,4‐trioxolanes) from alkenes and ozone can be described as a succession of three [2+3] cycloadditions or cycloreversions involving primary ozonides (1,2,3‐trioxolanes) and aldehyde or ketone oxides as decisive intermediates, all of which have finite lifetimes. There is no warranted experimental basis for assuming an alternative mechanism.