A transition metal- and photosensitizer-free approach for site-selective (hetero)arylation of polychlorinated heteroarenes

Abstract

We have developed an effective photochemical method for site-selective (hetero)arylation of polychlorinated heteroarenes. This approach eliminates the need for transition metal catalysts and photosensitizers by relying on in situ formation of unconventional electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes between two substrates and a basic additive. Our protocol yields chlorine-containing biaryl heterocyclic compounds with high levels of site-selectivity, which are of significant importance in both synthetic and medicinal chemistry.