Aliphatic C–H arylation with heteroarenes without photocatalysts

Abstract

Direct sp³ C–H arylation with heteroarenes is a straightforward approach for accessing valuable heteroarene-containing molecules. Unlike the established approaches that generally require precious metal catalysts, directing groups, stoichiometric strong oxidants and high temperatures, we report herein a scalable and mild strategy for aliphatic C–H arylation with heteroarenes under photocatalyst-free and strong oxidant-free conditions. This photochemistry features a broad substrate scope, good to excellent yields, and extremely mild conditions. Spectroscopic studies reveal that protonated heteroarenes have light-absorbing ability to initiate alkyl radical formation from aliphatic C–H bonds under aerobic visible light irradiation.