| abstract |
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method is disclosed for the preparation of alpha-hydroxycarbonyl compounds having the formula wherein R1, R2 and R3, equal or different, are an alkyl radical or a hydrogen atom, starting from compounds having the formula: , or wherein the R substituents are as above and X is selected from acyloxy and alkoxy radicals, the method being characterized by a single-step oxidative process to which the starting compounds as defined above are subjected. The oxidizing mixture contains osmium tetroxide and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorate which is present at least in a stoichiometric amount. |