An easy and rapid method for the a-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. An easy and rapid method for the a-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.