Microwave-assisted amination from fluorobenzenes without catalyst and strong base

A facile and versatile amination of fluorobenzenes has been developed in good to excellent yields under microwave irradiation in N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP) without strong base and catalyst. The presence of additional halogen atom(s) enhanced the leaving ability of fluorine and meta fluorine gave higher activation than the ortho. It is remarkable that 1,2,3-trifluorobenzene, 1,2,4-trifluorobenzene and 1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene can produce the regioselective mono-substituted products.

A facile and versatile amination of fluorobenzenes has been developed in good to excellent yields under microwave irradiation in NMP without strong base and catalyst. It is remarkable that multi-fluorine substituted benzenes can produce the regioselective mono-substituted products.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The amination of fluorobenzenes has been developed under microwave irradiation.
► A facile method was established for preparing fluorine substituted anilines.
► No strong base and catalyst were used in this method.
► The presence of various position of halogen enhanced the leaving ability of fluorine.
► All the reactions produced mono-substituted aniline derivatives as the only product.