One-pot efficient synthesis of aryl α-keto esters from aryl-ketones

A novel one-pot synthesis of aryl alpha-keto esters was developed through oxidation of aryl-ketones using selenium dioxide, esterification accompanied by ketalization, and hydrolysis. Both aromatics and heteroaromatics gave good yields by this one-pot method. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.