In this article we describe an efficient approach for the synthesis of cyclic diaryliodonium salts. The method is based on benzyl alcohols as starting materials and consists of an Friedel-Crafts-arylation/oxidation sequence. Besides a deep optimization, particluar focusing on the choice and ratios of the utilized Bronsted-acids and oxidants, we explore the substrate scope of this transformation. We also discuss an interesting isomerism of cyclic iodonium salts substituted with aliphatic substituents at the bridge head carbon. <br>
A new, mild one-pot synthesis of iodinated heterocycles as suitable precursors for N-heterocyclic carbene complexes