A New Site Selective Synthesis of Benzoin Esters. Synthesis of Symmetrically and Unsymmetrically Substituted Benzils

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1988-27712

A series of novel benzoin esters has been obtained in high yield, in a site selective synthesis, by the acid hydrolysis of a series of 4-benzoyloxy-2-azabuta-1,3-dienes.The oxidation of the benzoin esters allows the preparation of symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted benzils by a route that is superior, in some cases, to those previously reported.