Direct conversion of bromohydrins to ketones by a free radical elimination of hydrogen bromide.

Secondary beta-bromo alcohols can be transformed directly to ketones in very good yields by a free radical process. Tertiary beta-bromo alcohols do not react while the primary ones are transformed to aldehydes in lower yields. The reaction involves an abstraction of a hydrogen atom alpha to an OH group, followed by elimination of the bromine atom and subsequent tautomerization of an enol to a ketone.