Bromocyanomethylation of a variety of carbonyl compounds to produce the corresponding 2- bromo-3-hydroxynitriles has been achieved in moderate to good yields by the action of dibromoacetonitrile and indium (I) bromide. Moderate diastereoselectivity was observed. Exclusive mono-coupling at the carbonyl group was found with 1, 2-diketones and α- haloketones.
