Cyclic Diaryl λ³‐Bromanes as Original Aryne Precursors

Abstract

Abstract Despite the widespread application of hypervalent iodines, the corresponding λ 3 ‐bromanes are less explored. Herein we report a general, safe, and high‐yielding strategy to access cyclic diaryl λ 3 ‐bromanes. These unique compounds feature reactivity that is appealing and complementary to that of λ 3 ‐iodanes, generating arynes under mild reaction conditions and in the presence of a weak base. Accordingly, formal meta ‐selective transition‐metal‐free C–O and C–N couplings may be achieved. Mechanistic studies unambiguously support the aryne generation mechanism.

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