Transition Metal-Free Synthesis of Thiocyanato- or Nitro-Arenes through Diaryliodonium Salts

A transition metal-free approach to facile synthesis of thiocyanato- and nitro-arenes was developed from KSCN or NaNO2 with diaryliodonium salts in good yields under mild conditions. The reaction was compatible with a variety of sensitive functional substituents such as halides, nitro, and ester groups. The usefulness of arylation products has been realized.