Electrophilic activation of molecular bromine mediated by I(III).

In pursuit of a genuine bromo-λ 3 -iodane, it has been found that the combination of Br 2 and electron deficient λ 3 -iodanes can result in the delivery of both bromine atoms from Br 2 to a range of aryl substrates, some highly deactivated. These brominations occur rapidly in common chlorinated solvents at room temperature and can be achieved with the catalytic activation of commercially available PhI(OAc) 2 and PhI(OTFA) 2 . para -NO 2 substituted derivatives are employed to direct bromination towards more deactivated substrates. The mechanism of Br 2 activation is discussed with insights being made, however it remains unclear.