An expedient protocol for conversion of olefins to α-bromo/iodoketones using IBX and NBS/NIS

A variety of olefins have been shown to undergo conversion to the corresponding α-bromo/iodoketones when reacted with NBS/NIS and IBX in DMSO at room temperature. While the reaction is found to occur rapidly with e-rich arylolefins leading to the corresponding haloketones in 65–95% yields in 0.3–3.0 h, those containing e-withdrawing groups are found to yield diketones concomitantly, such that the latter are the exclusive products over extended duration of the reactions.