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The PIFA/NaCl combination was found effective in the chlorination of aromatic compounds. Unlike protocols employing diaryliodonium salts, a new discovered method for the _-arylation of the activated ketones is discribed.The _-ketoesters, _-diketones and _-cyanoketones were all suitable substrates for this process. Best yields are obtained using cyclic cyanoketones, and the reaction can be carried out on a multigram scale. In addition, a range of substituted iodoarylbis(trifluoroacetates) have been prepared and applied to the synthesis of the more highly substituted arylketones.

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Zhiyu Jia works as a organic chemistry researcher at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. He studied chemistry (BA) at Lanzhou University. He also studied physical chemistry (MA) at Renmin University of China. In addition, he has shown inclination to learn organic chemistry further and work on research.

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