Metal-free oxidative self-coupling of aldehydes or alcohols to symmetric carboxylic anhydrides

A metal-free synthesis of symmetrical anhydrides has been developed starting from aldehydes, both aliphatic and aromatic or primary benzylic alcohols. The reaction occurs at room temperature and makes use of trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) as an oxidant providing the desired carboxylic anhydrides in satisfactory yields.