An Efficient and Convenient Approach for Synthesizing Iodohydrin and Iodoether from Aromatic Alkenes Using Hg(BF4)2.SiO2 and I2.

A new and simple method for synthesizing iodohydrins and iodoethers from aromatic alkenes is described. Iodohydrins and iodoether derivatives were prepared in excellent yield using Mercury(II) tetrafluoroborate (Hg(BF4)2.SiO2)/I2 in aqueous THF or alcohols (methanol, iso-propanol and tert-butanol). The reactions take place at room temperature, short reaction times, and high regioselectivity, following Markovnikov fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]