Photoelectrocatalytic C–H amination of arenes

Abstract

Catalytic C–H/N–H cross-coupling is considered an ideal strategy for accessing anilines and their derivatives, but its synthetic execution remains extremely challenging, especially when the exclusion of external oxidants is desired. Reported herein is a photoelectrocatalytic method for the preparation of anilides through the C–H/N–H coupling of arenes and carbamates, which employs DDQ as a molecular catalyst. The reactions are conducted in a simple undivided cell with visible-light irradiation and without any need for external chemical oxidants. In addition, the reactions employ arenes as a limiting agent and are compatible with benzene and halogenated benzenes.