Chemoselective mono halogenation of β-keto-sulfones using potassium halide and hydrogen peroxide; synthesis of halomethyl sulfones and dihalomethyl sulfones

The synthesis of α-halo β-keto-sulfones using potassium halide and hydrogen peroxide as a chemoselective mono halogenation reagent and the synthesis of α,α-symmetrical and asymmetrical dihalo β-keto-sulfones and α-halo, α-alkyl and β-keto-sulfones is described. Base induced cleavage of α-halo β-keto-sulfones, α,α-dihalo β-keto-sulfones, and α-halo, α-alkyl β-keto-sulfones afforded the corresponding halomethyl sulfones, dihalomethyl sulfones and haloalkyl sulfones.