Transformation of Aryl Acyloin O‐Alkyl and O‐Phenyl Derivatives to Ketones

Abstract The treatment of aryl acyloin (α‐hydroxyketone) O‐alkyl and O‐phenyl derivatives with 2–3 equiv of Zn and 1–2 equiv of NH4Cl in ethanol, refluxing for 20–120 min, gave the corresponding ketones with excellent yields. Further, α,β‐epoxy ketones can be efficiently transformed to β‐hydroxy ketones, and 2,2‐dialkoxy‐1‐phenyl ketone also can be dealkoxylated to 1‐phenyl ketone.