Hell–Volhard–Zelinsky (HVZ) Reaction (RCH₂COOH + Br₂/P → α-bromocarboxylic acid)
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RCH₂COOH + Br₂/P → α-bromocarboxylic acid
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| Br₂/P | Bromine with red phosphorus (generates PBr₃ in situ → acyl bromide) |
| RCH₂COOH | Carboxylic acid with α-hydrogen |
| α-position | Carbon adjacent to –COOH |
When to use this
Red phosphorus converts carboxylic acid to acyl bromide in situ; enolization of acyl bromide allows α-bromination. Works only if α-H is present.