Highly regioselective synthesis of 1,3-diiodonaphthalene derivatives via a sequential cascade iodocyclization.

A novel and flexible sequentially cascade iodocyclization for the synthesis of highly substituted 1,3-diiodinated naphthalene derivatives in up to 99% yield under mild conditions is reported. The dihalogenated moiety can be readily introduced into the naphthalenes in a position that is usually not easily functionalized.