Para-Selective Halogenation of Nitrosoarenes with Copper(II) Halides

The para-selective direct bromination and chlorination of nitrosoarenes with copper­(II) bromide and chloride is reported. Under mild reaction conditions, a range of halogenated arylnitroso compounds are obtained in moderate to good yields with high regioselectivity. Additionally, the versatility of the method is demonstrated by the development of a one-pot procedure to obtain the corresponding para-halogenated aniline- and nitrobenzene derivatives.