Visible-light-induced ligand-free RuCl3 catalyzed C–H phosphorylation in water

Abstract

Visible-light-induced C–H phosphorylation of para-C_Ar–H and heteroarenes was realized using cost-effective RuCl₃ as a catalyst. The reaction conditions are green and environmentally friendly, using water as a solvent at room temperature and without ligands. A broad range of highly functional organophosphorus compounds were obtained via a cross-dehydrogenation-coupling (CDC) reaction. In addition, we also proved that RuCl₃ is a photocatalyst via its absorption spectrum and on/off light experiments.