Silicaphosphine (Silphos): a filterable reagent for the conversion of alcohols and thiols to alkyl bromides and iodides

Silicaphosphine (Silphos), [P(Cl)3−n(SiO2)n], as a new heterogeneous reagent is introduced. This reagent converts alcohols and thiols to their corresponding bromides and iodides in the presence of X2 (X=Br, I) in refluxing CH3CN in high to quantitative yields. Use of Silphos provides a highly practical method for the easy separation of the Silphos oxide byproduct by a simple filtration.