Visible light-induced metal-free cascade denitrogenative borylation and iodination of nitroarenes

Abstract

An efficient method was developed for the one-pot construction of C–B and C–I via visible light-induced transformation of nitroarenes. This protocol relies on the photochemical properties of nitroarenes under visible light, followed by reduction with B₂pin₂ and diazotization with ^tBuONO. An array of arylboronates and iodobenzenes were constructed smoothly after excitation with purple LEDs at room temperature. In addition, the synthetic utility of this method was further demonstrated in the late-stage modification of a drug molecule. The advantages of this strategy include metal-free system, mild reaction conditions and acceptable substrate scope.