C–H arylation reactions through aniline activation catalysed by a PANI-g-C3N4-TiO2 composite under visible light in aqueous medium

Abstract

A PANI (polyaniline)-g-C₃N₄-TiO₂ composite was prepared and found to be efficient for radical C–H arylation reactions. The arylation process involved coupling of in situ generated aryl diazonium salts from aniline with heteroarenes, enol acetates or benzoquinones under visible light in aqueous medium or pure water. A broad range of substrates survived the reaction conditions to provide the desired products in moderate to good yields. Scale-up (10 mmol) synthesis was also achieved. This semiconductor photocatalyst showed good photocatalytic performance and stability. Recycle studies showed that this composite could be readily recovered and a slight decrease in the catalytic activity was observed after ten consecutive runs.