C(sp3)–H Ritter amination by excitation of in situ generated iodine(iii)–BF3 complexes

Abstract

Visible light excitation of iodine(III)–BF₃ complex enables the formation of carbocations from C(sp³)–H bonds. The complexes are generated catalytically from iodoarene, carboxylate ligand, the oxidizing agent Selectfluor, and the Lewis acid BF₃. This modular catalytic system allows the formation of synthetically valuable amine derivatives without a metal- or photocatalyst.