Regioselective monobromination of phenols with KBr and ZnAl–BrO3−–layered double hydroxides

Abstract

The regioselective mono-bromination of phenols has been successfully developed with KBr and ZnAl–BrO3−–layered double hydroxides (abbreviated as ZnAl–BrO3−–LDHs) as brominating reagents. The para site is much favorable and the ortho site takes the priority if para site is occupied. This reaction featured with excellent regioselectivity, cheap brominating reagents, mild reaction condition, high atom economy, broad substrate scope, and provided an efficient method to synthesize bromophenols.