Selective Bromination of Ketones. A Convenient Synthesis of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid

Abstract

Abstract Bromination of unsymmetrical ketones with Br2 in methanol proceeded regioselectively in good yield at the less substituted methyl carbon. The bromination of levulinic acid using this method was followed by azidation and amination to lead to an efficient three-step synthesis of 5-aminolevulinic acid in 36% overall yield.