A general and convenient preparation of [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]perfluoroalkanes and [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]arenes by oxidation of organic iodides using oxone and trifluoroacetic acid.

[Bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]perfluoroalkanes C(n)F(2n+1)I(OCOCF(3))(2) (n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) can be conveniently prepared by the oxidation of the corresponding perfluoroalkyl iodides with Oxone in trifluoroacetic acid at room temperature and subsequently converted to the stable [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]perfluoroalkanes, C(n)F(2n+1)I(OH)OTs, by treatment with p-toluenesulfonic acid. This general and convenient procedure has been further extended to the synthesis of various [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]arenes, ArI(OCOCF(3))(2).