Abstract: A fast and simple method for the oxidative iodination of some activated arenes and heteroarenes, either under microwave irradiation or by conventional heating, is reported, using diiodine and ortho-periodic acid as the oxidant. The reactions were carried out in hot 95% ethanol under a reflux condenser. For the microwave assisted reactions, the reaction times were always notably shortened, but the yields were nearly the same as those afforded by the conventional method.