Methods to functionalize arenes and
heteroarenes in a site-selective
manner are highly sought after for rapidly constructing value-added
molecules of medicinal, agrochemical, and materials interest. One
effective approach is the site-selective cross-coupling of polyhalogenated
arenes bearing multiple, but identical, halogen groups. Such cross-coupling
reactions have proven to be incredibly effective for site-selective
functionalization. However, they also present formidable challenges
due to the inherent similarities in the reactivities of the halogen
substituents. In this Review, we discuss strategies for site-selective
cross-couplings of polyhalogenated arenes and heteroarenes bearing
identical halogens, beginning first with an overview of the reaction
types that are more traditional in nature, such as electronically,
sterically, and directing-group-controlled processes. Following these
examples is a description of emerging strategies, which includes ligand-
and additive/solvent-controlled reactions as well as photochemically
initiated processes.