Green approach for the conversion of olefins into vic-halohydrins using N-halosuccinimides in ionic liquids

Alkenes undergo smooth bromo- and iodohydroxylation with N-bromo- and N-iodosuccinimides/water, respectively, using the air and moisture stable ionic liquid [bmim]BF4 as a novel recyclable reaction medium in high to quantitative yields. N-Halosuccinimides show enhanced reactivity in ionic liquids thereby reducing the reaction times and improving the yields considerably. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.