Visible light-induced mono-bromination of arenes with BrCCl3

Abstract

A highly efficient and regioselective bromination of electron-rich arenes and heteroarenes using commercially available BrCCl₃ as a “Br” source has been developed. The reaction was performed in air under mild conditions with photocatalyst Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂·6H₂O, avoiding the usage of strong acids and strong oxidants. Mono-brominated products were obtained with medium to excellent yields (up to 94%). This strategy has shown good compatibility and high para-selectivity, which will facilitate the complicated synthesis.