Synthesis of Bromo‐ and Iodohydrins from Deactivated Alkenes by Use of N ‐Bromo‐ and N ‐Iodosaccharin

N ‐Bromo and N ‐iodosaccharin react with electron‐deficient alkenes such as α,β‐unsaturated ketones, acids, esters and nitriles in aqueous organic solvents, yielding the corresponding halohydrins in good yields. The reactions take place at room temperature, mostly within short reaction times and with high anti stereoselectivity. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)