Efficient and general one-pot synthesis of diaryliodonium triflates: Optimization, scope and limitations

Symmetrical and unsymmetrical diaryliodonium triflates have been synthesized from both electron-deficient and electron-rich arenes and aryl iodides with mCPBA and triflic acid. A thorough investigation of the optimization, scope and limitations has resulted in an improved one-pot protocol that is fast, high-yielding, and operationally simple. The reaction has been extended to the direct synthesis of symmetrical iodonium salts from iodine and arenes, conveniently circumventing the need for aryl iodides.