Conversion of alcohols to bromides using a fluorous phosphine

Reaction of alcohols with the fluorous phosphinecarbon tetrabromide complex in toluene or in a two-phase toluene-FC-72 system afforded the corresponding bromides in good yields. The fluorous-phosphine oxide is readily separated by liquid–liquid extraction, providing an alternative to the homogeneous triphenylphosphine–carbon tetrachloride conversion, as well as to the polymer-supported phosphine method. The fluorous phosphine oxide could be reduced and the product reused.