An Expeditious Method for the Preparation of 2-Hydroxy-1,4-dioxane and Its Use in Reductive Alkylation of Amines.

Selective oxidation of diethylene glycol by a ruthenium(VIII) species, obtained in situ from ruthenium(III) chloride― sodium periodate in the presence of a catalytic quantity of water, affords a monoaldehyde in the form of the internal acetal 2-hydroxy-1,4-dioxane. This compound was used in reductive alkylations of selected primary and secondary amines, demonstrating its utility in the preparation of target structures with the 2-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)ethylamino unit.