<FONT FACE=Symbol>a,a</FONT>-Dichloro-cyclic aryl ketones were obtained treating a methanolic solution of the corresponding ketone with commercial bleach at ambient conditions in yields varying from 61 to 92%. Electron-donating and -withdrawing groups in the starting ketone are tolerated but the reaction appears to be sensitive to steric effects. Moreover, five-, six-, and seven-membered aryl-cycloalkanones can be used as substrate.
bleach; tetralones; ketones; chlorination