Béhal‐Sommelet Rearrangement

Abstract

The transformation of methyl β‐hydroxylalkyl ethers into aldehydes in the presence of acids, preferably oxalic acid, is generally referred to as Béhal‐Sommelet rearrangement. The methyl β‐hydroxylalkyl ethers can be prepared via the Grignard reaction. This method is a general method for preparing α‐branched aldehydes.