N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Reassembly of Dibenzyl Ethers: Facile Access to α-Hydroxy Ketones

Abstract

AbstractA novel one-pot cascade process of oxidation-initiated, N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed, reintegration of dibenzyl ethers has been developed for the first time. This protocol allows straightforward access to α-hydroxy ketones from dibenzyl ethers. It is noteworthy that the present method is the first attempt to synthesize benzoin from dibenzyl ether.