Direct Intermolecular Aniline Ortho-Arylation via Benzyne Intermediates

A method for direct, transition-metal-free ortho-arylation of anilines by aryl chlorides, bromides, fluorides, and triflates has been developed. This methodology provides the most direct approach to 2-arylanilines since no protecting or directing groups on nitrogen are required. The arylation is functional-group tolerant, with alkene, ether, trifluoromethyl, dimethylamino, carbonyl, chloro, and cyano functionalities tolerated. Phenylation of enantiopure binaphthyldiamine affords a product with >99% ee.