•
Exclusive C-alkylation occurs with an alkyl bromide and NaOH in DMSO: Liebigs Ann. Chem., 735, 56 (1970). Borohydride reduction and periodate cleavage of the product lead to a useful synthesis of aryl ketones, with benzoin functioning as a benzoyl anion equivalent: Synthesis, 268 (1975):

• This has been extended to include alkylation with other electrophiles including primary and secondary alkyl iodides and Michael acceptors, and the route shortened by direct cleavage of the alkylated benzoin with hydrogen peroxide: Synthesis, 36 (1980).