A first example of a reaction under viscous conditions : oxidation of solid benzoins with manganese dioxide

A new, general, and efficient technique for the reaction of solid substrates under viscous conditions with shaking at room temperature is described, which can overcome some of the problems existing in common solvent-free reactions solids as the starting materials. In this manuscript we present as a first example of this method the oxidation of solid benzoins into the corresponding benzils using an environmentally friendly and inexpensive oxidant, manganese dioxide.