A palladium-catalyzed ortho-selective C–H bond chlorination reaction for the preparation of 2-chloro aromatic ketones was described. Both electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups on the aromatic rings are well tolerated under the optimized conditions. The 2-chloro aromatic ketones obtained by our method could be applied to synthesize the derivatives of 1H-indazole or benzo[d]isoxazole. A palladium-catalyzed ortho-selective C-H bond chlorination reaction for the preparation of 2-chloro aromatic ketones was described. Both electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups on the aromatic rings are well tolerated under the optimized conditions. The 2-chloro aromatic ketones obtained by our method could be applied to synthesize the derivatives of 1H-indazole or benzo [d] isoxazole.