Molecular iodine has been used for the regioselective, one pot, direct synthesis of 3-iodoflavones from 2′-allyloxy chalcones, 2′-hydroxy chalcones and flavones. Allyl deprotection, cyclization dehydrogenation and α-iodination of 2′-allyloxychalcones has been achieved in a single step to offer 3-iodoflavones.