N-Halosuccinimide/SiCl4 as general, mild and efficient systems for the α-monohalogenation of carbonyl compounds and for benzylic halogenation

Combinations of N-halosuccinimide and tetrachlorosilane in acetonitrile were found to be efficient systems for the selective α-monohalogenation of carbonyl compounds as well as for benzylic halogenation under mild conditions.