Iron(III)-Catalyzed Highly Regioselective Halogenation of 8-Amidoquinolines in Water.

A simple protocol of iron(III)-catalyzed halogenation of 8-amidoquinolines in water under mild conditions was developed, affording the 5-halogenlated products in good to excellent yields up to 98%. The reaction mechanism most likely involves a single-electron transfer (SET) process.