Halogen-bonded iodonium ion catalysis: a route to α-hydroxy ketones via domino oxidations of secondary alcohols and aliphatic C–H bonds with high selectivity and control
been developed from benzylic secondary alcohols employing catalytic iodonium ions stabilized by DMSO. The reaction proceeds through an unprecedented sequential oxidation of alcohols to ketone and its α-hydroxylation in a controlled manner. The spectroscopic evidences establish the possibility of formation of a stable halogen–bonded adduct between DMSO and iodonium ions.