NBS/DBU mediated one-pot synthesis of α-acyloxyketones from benzylic secondary alcohols and carboxylic acids.

A simple and efficient one-pot NBS/DBU-mediated method has been developed for the synthesis of α-acyloxyketones from various benzylic secondary alcohols and carboxylic acids. Through this methodology, a series of α-acyloxyketones could be obtained in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. Importantly, this new reaction avoids the direct usage of toxic metal catalysts or potentially dangerous peroxide oxidants.