Halogenation of 1,3,5-tri-t-butylbenzene and other alkylbenzenes with positive halogenating agents in acetic acid solvent results in the formation of aryl acetate products. Yields of aryl acetates increase upon addition of sodium acetate to the solvent. Data derived from studies of product distributions, kinetic isotope effects, and structural effects indicate that acetoxylation accompanying halogenation occurs by addition-elimination. © 1968, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.