An Efficient Chemical Conversion of Glycerol to Dihydroxyacetone

We report a new and efficient one-pot oxidation of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone by using cheap and safe positive chlorine sources in presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. High selectivity and yields were obtained under mild conditions. The best results were obtained with aluminium chloride hexahydrate, but also zeolites or alumina can catalyse the reaction. This methodology provides a direct and convenient chemical route for the production of dihydroxyacetone.