Synthesis of 5-hydroxy hydantoins via a tandem process

Abstract

An efficient entry to 5-hydroxyhydantoin derivatives is reported. The reaction of alpha-ketoacids with commercially available carbodiimides under mild conditions, and in the presence of visible light, induces the rearrangement of an O-acyl urea, and eventually leads to hydantoins in good yields. Because of economy of atoms, this tandem process can be considered as a green procedure. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.