PMGB

A mixture of the benzyl alcohol (0.0006 mol) and 48% HBr in water (2 mL) (clear solution after 5 minutes) was stirred at room temperature for overnight (12 h). Solid precipitated out after 4 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with 50 mL ethyl acetate, washed with 50 mL aqueous saturated NaHCO₃ solution, dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the corresponding benzyl bromide which was purified by triturating with hexanes (white solid, 74% yield).

Note: Yield increased to 92% in 0.002 mol scale.

Reference: Cassady, J. M.; Howie, G. A.; Robinson, J. M.; Stamos, I. K. Org. Synth. 1990, Coll. vol 7, 319.