The Conversion of α,ω-Diols into Mono Iodo Alcohols

Abstract

In connection with our studies on the metabolism of dihaloalkanes¹ we required an efficient synthesis of ω-halogen substituted primary alcohols. Although the easily available α,ω-diols are obvious starting materials, no satisfactory procedure for the conversion of these compounds into mono halogenated alcohols appears to have been described.² Recently, diphosphorustetraiodide (P₂I₄) has been reintroduced by Krief and coworkers³ as a powerful reagent for the synthesis of alkyl iodides from alcohols. Diols were similarly converted into diiodides.³