Abstract
The α → β isomerization of hetaryl analogues of benzoins occurring in basic media on heating is a convenient preparative way to obtain hydroxymethylcarbonyl‐substituted derivatives of π‐excessive heterocycles. The reaction is favored by increased catalyst basicity, solvent polarity, and the electron‐donor ability of a hetaryl residue. At room temperature, oxidation to hetaryl analogues of benzil becomes dominating.
Acknowledgments
We are pleased to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (Grant No. 0101U001529).