A solvent-free synthesis of (dichloroiodo)arenes from iodoarenes

An efficient solid-state oxidation of iodoarenes, ArI, is described using the urea–hydrogen peroxide adduct (UHP), a stable, inexpensive, and easily handled oxidant. The reactions were complete in 15 min at 85 °C. The melts thus obtained were reacted with excess hydrochloric acid to afford crude (dichloroiodo)arenes, ArICl2, in 64–98% yields.