An easy and rapid method for the alpha-bromination of ketones using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) catalyzed by silica gel in methanol under reflux conditions was developed. The expected products were formed in excellent isolated yields within a short period of time (5-20 min). Major advantages of the present procedure include use of inexpensive and readily available catalyst, exclusion of pre- and post-chemical treatment of catalyst and use of methanol as solvent instead of ethers and chlorinated solvents. (C) 2013 Nallagondu Chinna Gangi Reddy. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.