Preparation of functionalized magnesiated aniline derivatives

Functionalized magnesiated aniline derivatives were readily prepared by usi ng a bromine- or iodine-magnesium exchange. Formamidine or benzimine were f ound to be excellent protecting groups of the amino function for the genera tion of functionalized aminated Grignard reagents. These organomagnesium re agents react with various electrophiles such as aldehydes, iodoenones and a llylic halides in excellent yields. After transmetallation with ZnBr2, Pd(0 )-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl iodides can be readily performed.