An efficient and selective method for the iodination and bromination of alcohols under mild conditions

A straightforward and effective procedure for the conversion of a variety of alcohols into the corresponding alkyl iodides and bromides is described using KX/P2O5 (X = I, Br). The reactions were easily carried out in acetonitrile under mild conditions. Using this method, the selective conversion of benzylic alcohols in the presence of aliphatic alcohols was achieved.