Preparation of polyfunctional aryl triazenes via a direct insertion reaction of Zn in the presence of LiCl

A direct zinc insertion of functionalized iodo- or bromophenyl triazenes with zinc dust in the presence of LiCl generates the corresponding arylzinc derivatives which react with a variety of electrophiles such as allylic bromides, acid chlorides, TsCN, and aryl halides providing polyfunctional aryl triazenes in good yields. Two successive zinc insertion reactions into diiodophenyl triazenes have also been achieved.