A simple and efficient method for regioselective and stereoselective synthesis of vicinal bromohydrins and alkoxybromides from an olefin.

A very rapid and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of vicinal bromohydrins and alkoxybromides directly from an olefin without any catalyst. The reaction was performed in CH3CN-water (4:1) or alcohol using N,N-dibromo-p-toluenesulfonamide (TsNBr2) as the brominating agent. Excellent yields and regio- and stereoselectivities have been obtained. Bromohydrins are formed instantaneously, whereas formation of alkoxybromides takes 30-60 min.