Halogenation of β-keto-sulfones using KX/H2O2in aqueous medium: Synthesis of α-halo β-keto-sulfones and α-halomethyl sulfones

Synthesis of α-halo β-keto-sulfones and α-halomethyl sulfones is described by the reaction of β-keto-sulfones with potassium halides in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in aqueous acidic medium afforded the corresponding α-halo β-keto-sulfones at room temperature in excellent yields. Further the α-halo β-keto-sulfones on treatment of aqueous alkali underwent base-induced cleavage to yield α-halomethyl sulfones.