Aromatic Halogenation Using N-Halosuccinimide and PhSSiMe3 or PhSSPh.

We developed a mild aromatic halogenation reaction using a combination of N-halosuccinimide and PhSSiMe3 or PhSSPh. Less reactive aromatic compounds, such as methyl 4-methoxybenzoate, were brominated with PhSSiMe3 or PhSSPh and N-bromosuccinimide in high yields. No reaction was observed in the absence of PhSSiMe3 or PhSSPh. This method is also applicable to chlorination reactions using N-chlorosuccinimide and PhSSPh.