Direct Conversion of Arylamines to the Halides by Deamination with Thionitrite or Related Compounds and Anhydrous Copper(II) Halides

Reactions of various arylamines with either t-butyl thionitrite, t-butyl thionitrate, or p-toluenesulfonyl nitrite in the presence of anhydrous copper(II) halides under mild conditions gave corresponding aryl halides in good yields. This reaction in the presence of such olefins as acrylonitrile, styrene, and acrylic acid gave the corresponding 2-aryl-1-haloethanes as the main products. t-Butyl thionitrite, t-butyl thionitrate, and p-toluenesulfonyl nitrite were found to be better deaminative reagents than alkyl nitrites or alkyl nitrates due to their weak sulfur–nitrogen bonds.