Abstract A comparative study of 3-methoxyaryne precursors revealed 2-iodo-3- methoxyphenyl triflate as the most effective in nonpolar solvent. Use of Hoppe's N-isopropyl carbamate allows for the systematic preparation of a variety of 2-iodophenyl triflates via a directed ortho-lithiation-iodination-decarbamation sequence. These steps are possible without isolation of the intermediate iodophenyl carbamates.
