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 (potassiumthiocyanate) 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 and nitro and ester groups. The usefulness of arylation products has been realized.