Ionic Bromination of Ethane and Other Alkanes (Cycloalkanes) with Bromine Catalyzed by the Polyhalomethane*2AlBr3 Aprotic Organic Superacids under Mild Conditions

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)01986-R

The polyhalomethane*2AlBr3 aprotic organic superacids were shown to effectively catalyze low-temperature ionic bromination of (cyclo)alkanes.Ethane readily reacts with Br2 at 55-65 deg C, affording mainly 1,2-dibromoethane.Propane, butane, and C5-C6 cycloalkanes react at -40 - -20 deg C, resulting in monobromides with high yields and good selectivity.