For example, α-hydroxy acids are generally useful as precursors in the preparation aldehydes via oxidative cleavage.[4][5] Compounds of this class are used on the industrial-scale and include glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and mandelic acid.[6][7] They are susceptible to acid-catalyzed decarbonylation to give, in addition to carbon monoxide, a ketone/aldehyde and water.[8]