A Convenient Method for the Conversion of Halides to Alcohols

Abstract
The displacement of halides in unactivated primary bromides and iodides, allylic and benzylic primary and secondary bromides, and primary and secondary α-bromoketones by formate, using triethylammonium formate as the formylating agent, followed by acid or base catalyzed hydrolysis has been found to be an efficient method for the conversion of halides to alcohols.