Halogenation of arenes using alkali metal halides/Fe(NO3)3<middle dot>9H2O at room temperature

A simple, efficient and environmentally friendly methodology for the halodecarboxylation of anisole analogues using Fe(NO3)3<middle dot>9H2O/KBr or NaI at room temperature was developed. In this method, most substrates with an electron-donating group afforded corresponding products in good to excellent yields, whereas those with an electron-withdrawing group afforded low to moderate yields. More importantly, this protocol was also applicable for gram-scale synthesis. It is hoped that this methodology will be highly useful in organic synthesis.