Synthesis of 5-hydroxy hydantoins via a tandem process

Abstract An efficient entry to 5-hydroxyhydantoin derivatives is reported. The reaction of α-ketoacids with commercially available carbodiimides under mild conditions, and in the presence of visible light, induces the rearrangement of an O -acyl urea, and eventually leads to hydantoins in good yields. Because of economy of atoms, this tandem process can be considered as a green procedure.