Regioselective Synthesis of α‐Iodoacetates from Alkenes/Ammonium Acetate/I₂ by Woodward's Reaction

Abstract

Regioselective synthesis of α‐iodoacetates from alkenes, ammonium acetate, and iodine in acetic acid is reported. The reaction is facile, fast, environmentally, friendly, and cost effective. α‐Iodoacetates are obtained from both acyclic and cyclic alkenes in high yields ranging from 80–95% within 10–20 min.

Keywords:

• α‐Iodoacetates
• Alkenes
• Ammonium acetate
• Molecular iodine
• Acetic acid

Acknowledgment

Yi Yi Myint thanks the Ministry of Education, Government of Myanmar; the Bangalore University, Bangalore; Professor A. Srikrishna, Chairman, Dept. of Organic Chemistry, I I Sc., Bangalore for ¹³C, ¹HNMR spectra and elemental analysis of all the products and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for a fellowship and financial assistance.