NBS is a brominating and oxidizing agent that is used as source for bromine in radical reactions and various electrophilic additions. A major use is in the bromination of allylic or benzylic positions in substrates.1,2 Other potential uses are bromination of activated benzene rings, cleavage of benzyl ethers and esters, conversion of alcohols to alkyl bromides, and oxidation of certain reactive substrates. 3,4,5
1. Org. Lett. 2009, 11, 465.
2. Synlett 2006, 1269.
3. Synthesis 2004, 1741.
4. Synthesis 2009, 306.
5. Org. Lett. 2007, 9, 3809.