Efficient synthesis of α-(hydroxymethyl) ketones not available through aldol-type processes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1990-27093

An efficient synthesis of α-(hydroxymethyl) ketones from β-keto esters has been developed, which is experimentally simple, amenable to large scale production and provides products of high purity without resort to chromatography in most cases. The method is a useful alternative and complement to condensation processes.