Thiamine coenzyme models: Imidazolinium ylides and the reactions of 2-(hydroxyalkyl)imidazolines

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)88877-2

Ketones are prepared from aldehydes via 1-benzyl-2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)-2-imidazolines (adducts of the aldehydes with 1-benzyl-2-lithio-2-imidazoline) whereas 1-benzyl-2-(1-oxoalkyl)-2-imidazolines act as acyl transfer reagents; imidazolinium ylides are intermediates in both processes.