Catalytic α-hydroxylation of ketones under CuBr2 or HBr/DMSO systems

An efficient and facile α-hydroxylation of ketones catalyzed by CuBr2 or HBr in DMSO is developed, providing secondary/tertiary α-hydroxy carbonyl compounds in moderate to good yields (up to 87%). A series of control experiments suggested that water and DMSO may work cooperatively in the hydrolysis step.