1,3-Dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin as catalyst for the conversion of aldehydes to their 1,1-diacetates (acetylals) under solvent-free and neutral conditions

Highly efficient and mild acetylation of aldehydes with acetic anhydride catalysed by 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethythydantoin (DBH) was performed under neutral conditions to produce corresponding 1,1-diacetates (acetylals) in good to excellent yields.