Efficient Direct Halogenation of Unsymmetrical N-Benzyl- and N-Phenylureas with Trihaloisocyanuric Acids

A simple and efficient methodology for the direct halogenation of N -phenylureas was developed using trihaloisocyanuric acids in acetonitrile at room temperature. This protocol proved to be effective for the construction of N -phenylureas with different patterns of substitution. Additionally, less reactive N -benzylureas were halogenated in the presence of a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile at room temperature.