Methods for Brominations at Benzylic Positions

Allylic and benzylic brominations are of paramount importance in organic synthesis. They give rise to many valuable synthons leading to the production of fine chemicals, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. A great many bromination methods have thus been developed to conduct the titled reactions under different circumstances. The need for environmentally benign conditions to circumvent drawbacks associated with original methods has significantly enhanced the advance in this field. Herein, only methods for benzylic brominations are reviewed and outlined because alkylbenzenes are more often chosen as the model substrates for new methods development. Keywords: Allylic and benzylic brominations, brominating agents, debromination, green chemistry, radical reaction, solvents.