Free radical bromination by the H2O2–HBr system on water

An aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen bromide illuminated by a 40 W incandescent light bulb serves as a source of bromine radicals. Various substituted toluenes (H, Me, tBu, Br, COOEt, COPh, NO2) were brominated at the benzyl position. This haloperoxidase-like system for benzylic bromination does not require the presence of metal ions or an organic solvent for efficient conversion of methyl-arenes to benzyl bromides.