Mild and Efficient α-Chlorination of Carbonyl Compounds Using Ammonium Chloride and Oxone (2KHSO5•KHSO4•K2SO4)

A simple protocol for the alpha-monochlorination of ketones and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds utilizing NH4Cl as a source of chlorine and Oxone as an oxidant in methanol without catalyst is presented. The reaction proceeds at ambient temperature in yields ranging from moderate to excellent.