The PIFA/NaCl combination was found effective in the chlorination of aromatic compounds. Unlike protocols employing diaryliodonium salts, a new discovered method for the _-arylation of the activated ketones is discribed.The _-ketoesters, _-diketones and _-cyanoketones were all suitable substrates for this process. Best yields are obtained using cyclic cyanoketones, and the reaction can be carried out on a multigram scale. In addition, a range of substituted iodoarylbis(trifluoroacetates) have been prepared and applied to the synthesis of the more highly substituted arylketones.