Catalytic oxidations of enolizable ketones using 2-alkylidene-4-oxothiazolidine vinyl bromide

Direct oxidation of enolizable ketones to α-hydroxy derivatives, vicinal dicarbonyls or tricarbonyl compounds has been achieved by a catalytic amount of 2-alkylidene-4-oxothiazolidine vinyl bromide in DMSO as a solvent. The yields range from moderate to good.