BROMOACETYL BROMIDE: A VERSATILE AND SELECTIVE CLEAVING AGENT FOR ETHERS AND ACETALS

ABSTRACT

It is shown that bromoacetyl bromide can be utilized for the selective cleavage of ethers and acetals in high yields. With cyclic ethers and acetals as starting materials, cleavage products are produced with two strategically positioned bromo substituents which may be exploited for selective extention of the carbon chain.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank Mr. H. S. C. Spies for the NMR spectra and many valuable discussions and Ms. V. Truter for the mass spectra. Financial support by the University of Stellenbosch and technical assistance by Mr. M. C. de Jongh and his staff is gratefully appreciated.