Metal-Free C-Arylation of Nitro Compounds with Diaryliodonium Salts

An efficient, mild, and metal-free arylation of nitro-alkanes with diaryliodonium salts has been developed, giving easy access to tertiary nitro compounds. The reaction proceeds in high yields without the need for excess reagents and can be extended to alpha-arylation of nitroesters. Nitroalkanes were selectively C-arylated in the presence of other easily arylated functional groups, such as phenols and aliphatic alcohols.