A simple and convenient method for direct α-chlorination of ketones with ammonium chloride and Oxone®

When ketones were treated with ammonium chloride and Oxone® in MeOH at room temperature, a direct α-chlorination of ketones was occurred and a series of the corresponding α-chloroketones were obtained in moderate to good yields after 24 h. In this reaction, ammonium chloride was used as the source of chlorine and Oxone® was used as an oxidant. This method was simple, convenient and providing a novel procedure for preparation of α-chloroketones.