Synthesis of 1,2-Diketones by the Transition Metal-Catalyst-Free Reaction of α-Oxo Acid Chlorides or Oxalyl Chloride with Organostannanes

The reaction of an alpha-oxo acid chloride with an organostannane proceeds transition metal-catalyst-free to afford a 1,2-diketone in an excellent yield. In addition, a sequence comprising pretreatment of oxalyl chloride with an organostannane and a subsequent treatment with another organostannane also works as a convenient modification.