Convenient, metal-free ipso-nitration of arylboronic acids using nitric acid and trifluoroacetic acid

A feasible protocol for the direct ipso-nitration of arylboronic acids using trifluoroacetic acid and nitric acid as nitration reagent has been developed. Various aromatic nitro compounds are produced in moderate to good yields under the metal-free conditions. The method is operationally simple and regioselective, and might have potential application in industry.