Solvent-free bromination of 1,3-diketones and β-keto esters with NBS

Trituration of N-bromosuccinimide at room temperature with several liquid or solid 1,3-diketones and β-keto esters resulted in high yield conversion to the monobrominated derivatives, and a work-up procedure using only water to remove succinimide was employed. The entire process uses no organic solvent and is therefore more ecologically desirable.