Synthesis of Halogenated Phenols by Directed ortho-Lithiation and ipso-Iododesilylation Reactions of O-Aryl N-Isopropylcarbamates

Abstract

The regioselective synthesis of halogenated phenols via directed ortho-lithiation reactions of in situ N-silylated O-aryl N-isopropylcarbamates is reported. This protocol is complemented by ipso-iododesilylation reactions of C-silylated carbamates and iodine-magnesium exchange reactions, which are facilitated by the adjacent carbamoyl group. These methods provide an entry into a series of o-fluoro-, o-iodo-, and o,o′-diiodophenols in high yields which are otherwise difficult to obtain.