Question

How does ozonolysis work?

Answer 1

Usually very well....

Explanation:

Trioxygen gas, `O=stackrel(+)O-O^(-)`, is a POTENT oxidant....and given an ozone generator, this usually works on EVERYTHING, including the oxidation of olefinic bonds...which are otherwise fairly unreactive. You should look up your organic text for details.

Workup of the ozonolysis product may be optimized to give either carboxyl or carbonyl products...oxidatively or reductively....