Microwave-Assisted Trans-Halogenation Reactions of Various Chloro-, Bromo-, Trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy- and Nonafluorobutanesulfonyloxy-Substituted Quinolines, Isoquinolines, and Pyridines Leading to the Corresponding Iodinated Heterocycles

Microwave irradiation of certain chloro-, bromo-, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy- and nonafluorobutanesulfonyloxy-substituted quinolines in the presence of acetic anhydride and sodium iodide leads, via a trans-halogenation process, to the corresponding iodides in high yield. Related conversions involving pyridines and isoquinolines can also be achieved under similar conditions.