Abstract: 1,2,4-trioxane derivatives of formula: ##STR1## (wherein each of the subscripts m and n is equal to 0 or 1;the symbol Z represents an epoxide oxygen atom at the 5,6 or 6,7 positions, or a pair of electrons forming a double bond at the 5,6 or 6,7 positions;each of the symbols Ar.sup.1 and Ar.sup.2, being the same or different represents an aromatic group which optionally substituted;each of the symbols AR.sup.1 and R.sup.2, being the same or different, represents a linear or branched alkyl group, which is optionally substituted, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.

Abstract: 1,2,4-Trioxanes are subjected to reductive cleavage, thereby to produce a 1,2-diol and carbonyl compound. The process has applications both in the synthesis of 1,2-diols and the protection, in the course of organic synthesis, of carbonyl compounds.