Metal-free direct amination/aromatization of 2-cyclohexenones to iodo-N-arylanilines and N-arylanilines promoted by iodine.

An iodine mediated aromatization leading to a one-pot synthesis of iodo-N-arylanilines and N-arylanilines is reported. This highly regioselective aliphatic-aromatic transformation can be performed with various combinations of 2-cyclohexenones and anilines. The presence of a directing group is crucial for achieving high yields.