Transition-metal-free photoredox intermolecular α-arylation of ketones

Abstract

α-Arylation of ketones with electron rich arenes via sp²(C)–H has been achieved by the reaction of α-phenylselanylketones using organic photoredox catalysis. The reaction proceeds via an α-methylene ketone radical generated by sp³(C)–SePh activation. The developed method has been found to have broad substrate scope and is free from the use of pre-functionalized aromatics.