Phenytoin is synthesized from benzil in a multi-step reaction involving a pinacol rearrangement. Benzil and urea are condensed in the presence of base to form an intermediate 1,2-diol, which is then protonated to form an oxonium ion. Dehydration leads to a carbonium ion that undergoes a 1,2 shift of the phenyl ring to form a phenonium ion. Rearrangement of this ion generates the final product, phenytoin, which is isolated by acidification and recrystallization with a 91.4% yield.