Efficient synthesis of β-substituted α-haloenones by rhodium(ii)-catalyzed and thermal reactions of iodonium ylides

Rhodium(II)-catalyzed and thermal reaction of iodonium ylides are described. Rhodium(II)-catalyzed reactions of iodonium ylides with benzyl halides and acid halides afforded α-chloro-α,β-enones and α-bromo-α,β-enones in good yields, whereas thermal reactions of iodonium ylides in a solvent such as benzene afforded α-iodo-α,β-enones in good yields.