A simple and efficient method is reported for rapid chemoselective transformation of 1,1-diacetates to the parent aldehydes using 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin or N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of wet SiO2 (50%, w/w) as solid support under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. This procedure has valuable advantages, for example short reaction times, simple work-up, high yields of products, absence of solvent, and use of commercially available and non-toxic reagents.
