Efficient α-chlorination of carbonyl containing compounds under basic conditions using methyl chlorosulfate.

An efficient method for the α-chlorination of ketones under basic conditions is described using methyl chlorosulfate. Its applicability for the chlorination of other functional groups has also been studied and it is equally useful for the synthesis of α-chloroesters and amides. Methyl chlorosulfate is described for the first time as a positive chlorine source. Some aldol reactions which occur during the chlorination of some substrates are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]