Preparation of benzilic acid from benzaldehyde is accomplished by a three-step approach involving conversion of benzaldehyde to benzoin, oxidation of benzoin to benzil, and finally benzilic acid rearrangement of benzil to afford the desired product. A multi-step synthesis of benzilic acid/ester from p-bromotoluene has also been investigated and described. 13 Formation of benzoin from benzaldehyde is usually achieved by using cyanide ion, 14 or ionic liquids. 15 The ...
