A Convenient Synthesis of 2,2-Dibromo-1-arylethanones by Bromination of 1-Arylethanones with the H₂O₂-HBr System

Abstract

1-Arylethanones and related compounds are brominated in dioxane with the H2O2-HBraq system, resulting in the replacement of two hydrogen atoms in the methyl group with bromine. The reaction is also accompanied by bromination of the aromatic ring provided that the latter contains electron-donating substituents. The reaction proceeds rapidly (20 min) and results in complete conversion of ketones to give 2,2-dibromo-1-arylethanones in yields up to 86%.