High atomic yield bromine-less benzylic bromination

A two-phase mixture (sodium bromide, aqueous hydrogen peroxide/carbon tetrachloride or chloroform) under visible light provides a simple and convenient system for benzylic bromination of toluenes. A high atomic yield for bromine atoms is attained. Substitution of the chlorinated solvents by other more environmentally benign organic solvents has been attempted and good results are obtained for methyl pivalate.