Preparation and properties of novel hetero-halogen complexes

Although hetero-halogen compounds are versatile synthetic intermediates, their one-step preparation methods are scarcely known. Herein, we describe the preparation of two novel air-stable hetero-halogen complexes, (DMI) 2 HBr 2 I and (DMI) 2 HCl 2 I (DMI: 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone). These complexes were then reacted with alkenes and alkynes, affording hetero-halogen compounds such as bromoiodides and chloroiodides in one step. Iodoalkoxylation and iodolactonisation were also performed with these complexes. Air-stable IBr and ICl alternatives • Novel air-stable hetero-halogen complexes, DIBI and DICI, were prepared. • Bromoiodination and chloroiodination were performed using these complexes. • Iodoalkoxylation and iodolactonisation were also carried out with the complexes. • Prepared DIBI worked better on bromoiodination of alkynes than other IBr sources.