Deprotection of Acetals from Unsaturated, Unstable Bromoketones

Abstract The unstable ketones 1-bromo-3-buten-2-one, 1-bromo-3-butyn-2-one, and 1,3-dibromo-3-buten-2-one can be obtained from the corresponding acetals in high yields by treating the acetals with anhydrous iron (III) chloride suspended on dry silica. A simplified procedure for preparing the reagent is also given.