Information About

Ketone Halogenation




The position alpha (next) to the Carbonyl group in a Ketone is easily halogenated, due to the ability to form an Enolate in Basic or Acidic solution. An example is the Bromination of Acetone in basic solution:

CH3-CO-CH3 + OH- → CH3-CO-CH2- + H2O

CH3-CO-CH2- + Br2 → CH3-CO-CH2Br + Br-


''Acetone bromination''

This reaction has two steps, but is not a Chain Reaction . Multiple bromination can occur giving CH3-CO-CHBr2 etc.