1,2-Diketones, camphorquinone and 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione, are converted
to the corresponding alpha -hydroxyketones in moderate to good yields by Ti
O2-catalyzed photochemical reactions in deoxygenated alcoholic media. The r
eduction yield for 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione is considerably increased by a
ddition of water or triethylamine