Imidazolium Salt Catalyzed para-Selective Halogenation of Electron-Rich Arenes

Abstract

A highly <i>para</i>-selective halogenation of arenes bearing coordinating groups in the presence of a dimidazolium salt as a catalyst is reported. A series of electron-rich <i>p</i>-haloarenes were prepared in good yields and good to excellent selectivities. We also propose a plausible mechanism for the catalytic reaction.