The reaction of β-dicarbonyl compounds (β-ketoesters and β-diketones) with 0.34 molequiv of trichloro-and tribromoisocyanuric acids produced regioselectively the corresponding α- monohalo β-dicarbonyl compound. On the other hand, utilization of 0.68 molequiv of the trihaloisocyanuric acid produced the α, α-dihalo β-dicarbonyl compound.
