This paper reviews the applications of 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) in organic synthesis, focusing on the oxidations of IBX with alcohols, nitrogen-containing, sulfur-containing organic compounds, selective oxidation at carbon adjacent to aromatic systems, preparations of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and lactones, etc. These reactions take place in mild conditions, in high yields, and with high chemoselecticity. IBX-amide, IBX-ester and polymer-supported IBX analogues, which are mild, non-explosive, highly soluble, and/or recyclable, are also discussed.

Key words: organic synthesis, application, 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX)