Transition metal free, green and facile halogenation of ketene dithioacetals using a KX–oxidant system

A facile oxidative halogenation of α-oxo ketene dithioacetals is achieved by using a potassium halide and oxidant combination under transition metal free conditions at ambient temperature. Using this methodology, halogenated ketene dithioacetals are synthesized in good to excellent yields with a short reaction time. The halogenated products are successfully transformed into nitrogen containing heterocyclic molecules.