The potential of [bmim] Br as an alternative to aprotic dipolar solvents in nickel-catalyzed hydrodehalogenation reactions is demonstrated. Hydrodechlorination of pentafluorochlorobenzene proceeds under the action of zinc in aqueous [bmim] Br. Under the above conditions aromatic C–F bonds also undergo slow cleavage. The reaction is significantly accelerated in the presence of nickel complexes with 2, 2′-bipyridine or 1, ...