Introduction of a halogen (F, Cl, Br, I) or a chalcogen (O, S, Se, Te) via the intermediacy of an aryllithium or hetaryllithium is reviewed. Representative examples are presented to demonstrate the range of substituted aromatic compounds accessible via formation of the lithio-intermediate followed by treatment with an appropriate derivatizing agent. Where possible, the merits and the limitations of the various reagents utilized for introduction of a specific halogen or chalcogen are discussed.