A new route to 2,2′,3,3′-tetrasubstituted binaphthyls

Based on an ortho-lithiation protocol of 2,2′-dibromo-1,1′-binaphthyl four tetrasubstituted binaphthyls, 2,2′-dibromo-3,3′-diiodo-, 3,3′-dibromo-2,2′-diiodo-, 2,2′,3,3′-tetrabromo-, and 2,2′,3,3′-tetraiodo-1,1′-binaphthyls have been prepared in excellent yield which in turn proved to be versatile key intermediates in the synthesis of various 2,2′,3,3′-tetrasubstituted 1,1′-binaphthyl derivatives.