Bromoformates and iodoformates are successfully synthesized in high yields with regioselectivity and stereoselectivity by using ZnAl-BrO3 – layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and KX (X = Br, I) in the presence of formic acid (HCOOH). The protocol exploits the versatile function of formic acid as solvent, nucleophilic reagent, and acidic medium simultaneously, simplifying the reaction and separation of the products.

The regioselective mono-bromination of phenols has been successfully developed with KBr and ZnAl–BrO3−–layered double hydroxides (abbreviated as ZnAl–BrO3−–LDHs) as brominating reagents. The para site is much favorable and the ortho site takes the priority if para site is occupied. This reaction featured with excellent regioselectivity, cheap brominating reagents, mild reaction condition, high atom economy, broad substrate scope, and provided an efficient method to synthesize bromophenols.