Selective α-Bromination of β-Keto Esters in Reusable PEG-400 under Mild and Catalyst-Free Conditions

An efficient bromination protocol for the synthesis of α-bromo-β-keto esters has been developed. In PEG-400 (poly(ethylene glycol-400)), a variety of β-keto esters were treated with NBS (N-bromosuccinimide) at room temperature to selectively afford the corresponding α-monobromination products in excellent yields. It is noteworthy that the reaction was conducted under mild, environmentally benign and catalyst-free conditions.