Selective dibromination of adamantane

Abstract

A procedure for the preparation of 1,3-dibromoadamantane in high yield has been evolved. It involves the reaction of adamantane with bromine in the presence of a catalyst (boron tribromide–aluminium bromide in the molar ratio 125 : 1). All reagents were purified, moisture was excluded, and an all-glass apparatus was used. Previous procedures for the preparation of 1,3-dibromoadamantane in the presence of catalysts have afforded only 1-bromoadamantane in our hands.