Alternative catalyst to cyanide ion in acyloin-type condensations, as in the synthesis of hydroxymethyl ketones: J. Org. Chem., 50, 603 (1985); 60, 6684 (1995):
or the synthesis of next higher ketoses from aldoses: J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun., 610 (1992). For further examples and a review of this type of condensation, see 3-Benzyl-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methylthiazolium chloride, L08750.