A sustainable two-phase procedure for V-catalyzed toluene oxidative bromination with H2O2–KBr

Abstract

A sustainable V(V) and Mo(VI) catalysed two-phase procedure for bromination of toluene under quite mild conditions is proposed; H₂O₂ is the primary oxidant and KBr is the bromine source; metal precursors are commercially available salts. The reaction is efficient without any additional solvent. By using PhCH₃ as a solvent/substrate good yields, together with interesting selectivity toward the formation of PhCH₂Br, are obtained with both metal ions. Recycling of the catalytic phase is also possible. Useful information on the V-peroxido chemistry was obtained.