Facile and highly chemoselective synthesis of benzil derivatives via oxidation of stilbenes in an I2–H2O system

A facile and highly chemoselective protocol for the synthesis of benzil derivatives has been developed by oxidation of stilbenes in an I2–H2O system under air. Notably, the method was applicable to 26 examples and provided up to 98% yield, avoiding the use of acid, metal catalysts and so on.