Direct synthesis of hydrazones by visible light mediated aerobic oxidative cleavage of the CC bond

Abstract

A metal-free protocol through visible light mediated oxidative cleavage of CC bonds to directly construct CN bonds has been developed for the conversion of alkenes to hydrazones under mild conditions. The reaction involves a diazetidine intermediate that is generated by [2 + 2] annulation of alkenes with diazenes generated in situ by single-electron oxidation of arylhydrazines. The key features of this reaction include a broad substrate scope and readily available reagents.