Microwave-assisted synthesis of α-hydroxy aromatic ketones from α-bromo aromatic ketones in water

A reaction of α-bromo aromatic ketones in water with microwave irradiation gave the corresponding α-hydroxy aromatic ketones in good yields. The use of microwaves was found to significantly improve yields and shorten the reaction time. This reaction afforded a very clean, convenient method for the synthesis of α-hydroxy aromatic ketones.