Preparation of a novel bromine complex and its application in organic synthesis

Abstract

Although molecular bromine (Br2) is a useful brominating reagent, it is not easy to handle. Herein, we describe the preparation of a novel air-stable bromine complex prepared from 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI) and Br2, which was identified to be (DMI)2HBr3 by spectral and X-ray techniques. This complex was then used to brominate olefins, carbonyl compounds, and aromatics, as well as in the Hofmann rearrangement. Yields of reaction products using this complex were almost the same or superior to those using other bromine alternatives.