Mechanochemically Triggered Deaminative Halogenation of Anilines Mediated by a TEMPO-Driven Radical Manifold

Under ball-milling, continuous mechanical energy enables a TEMPO-mediated single-electron process, while inexpensive ferric nitrate serves as the nitrogen source for in situ diazotization. This method rapidly converts anilines into aryl halides with broad functional-group tolerance, avoiding hazardous diazonium salts, external heating, and bulk solvents. The approach improves operational simplicity, atom economy, and sustainability, highlighting the power of mechanochemistry to promote redox-driven transformations and providing a practical alternative to conventional solution-phase halogenation.