Direct synthesis of hydrazones by visible light mediated aerobic oxidative cleavage of the C
C bond†
Abstract
A metal-free protocol through visible light mediated oxidative cleavage of CC bonds to directly construct C
N 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.