Ring halogenations of polyalkylbenzenes with N-halosuccinimide and acidic catalysts

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1993-25839

1-Bromo-2,5-pyrrolidinedione (NBS) and 1-chloro-2,5-pyrrolidinedione (NCS) with catalytic quantities of p-toluenesulfonic acid have been used for ring halogenations of polyalkylbenzenes. [Hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene was effective as a catalyst with NBS but not NCS. Competition experiments with 1-iodo-2,5-pyrrolidinedione (NIS) were run to indicate selectivities in substrates, halogen sources and catalysts. With this information a mixed halogenated compound, 2-bromo-4-iodo-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene was prepared in high yield.