We find that interference from deprotonation does not impact yields of the small-scale reaction, making the esterification step unnecessary. Both large-and small-scale pathways proceed with reduction using LiAlH4 to yield diol 3. Subsequently, a mono-bromination reaction yields bromoalcohol intermediate 4. This reaction step typically results in a mixture of diol starting material, desired mono-brominated product, and di-brominated byproduct. Monitoring the bromination reaction by TLC is key to preventing conversion to the undesirable dibrominated product. The mono-brominated product can be removed from the mixture by column chromatography.