A very simple and chemoselective air oxidation of benzoins to benzils using alumina

Abstract

An efficient and facile air oxidation of benzoins in the presence of the heterogeneous catalyst aluminum oxide, avoiding the use of noxious metal compounds as oxidizing agents has been developed. It thus constitutes a very simple, environmentally friendly, clean, economical and selective method for the aerobic preparation of benzils from the corresponding benzoins. © ARKAT.