was found to be a highly efficient monodentate transient directing group (MonoTDG) for the palladium-catalyzed direct dehydrogenative cross-coupling of benzaldehydes with arenes. A diverse set of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 9-fluorenones was readily obtained in yields of 32-72% along with excellent regioselectivities and broad functional group compatibility as well as high atom economy under mild
transformations. Classical electrophilic aromatic halogenationusing molecular halogens and Lewis/Brønsted acid activators is still a promising synthetic tool; however, it suffers from handling difficulties, low selectivity, and limited functional group tolerance. We herein introduce carborane-based Lewis base catalysts for aromatic halogenationusing -halosuccinimides. The developed reaction system