A novel and efficient method for the one-pot transformation of β-hydroxycarbonyl
compounds to α-brominated 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds is achieved
with MoO2Cl2 in the presence of N-bromosuccinimide. All the reactions
were carried out under mild conditions and provide good yields of
the products. No bromination occurs at benzylic and allylic positions.
β-hydroxycarbonyl compounds - oxidation - bromination - molybdenum -
N-bromosuccinimide