Room temperature C-H activation without Using External Oxidant: A Dual Catalytic
Approach
Manoj Kumar Sahoo† and Ekambaram Balaraman†*
†
Catalysis & Inorganic Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune
411008, INDIA
e-mail: mk.sahoo@ncl.res.in
Introduction: Design of new catalytic reactions for selective organic transformations is essential for the sustainable
production of chemicals. In recent years, merging of visible-light photoredox catalysis with transition-metal catalysis have drawn much
attention and is an emerging area that can enable for unique reactivity and selectivity not observed using either catalyst independently.
Here we report a ruthenium photoredox catalyst in tandem with a palladium catalyst effects the C-H activation of anilides with an array of
aryldiazonium salts under very mild conditions; visible light, ambient temperature, no stoichiometric oxidant (Scheme 1). The broad
substrate scope, mild reaction condition, readily available feedstock starting materials, and excellent regioselectivity of this process make
it attractive for the effective synthesis of a wide range of N-heterocyclic moieties under environmentally benign conditions.
Scheme 1. C-H activation using aryldiazonium salts by merging of visible-light photoredox catalysis with Pd catalysis
1