Bifunctional 1-Hydroxypyrene Photocatalyst for Hydrodesulfurization via Reductive C(Aryl)-S Bond Cleavage.

We developed the visible-light-induced hydrodesulfurization of alkyl aryl thioethers via the reductive cleavage of the C(aryl)-S bond using 1-hydroxypyrene as a Brønsted acid-reductant bifunctional photocatalyst. The hydrodesulfurization reaction proceeded under simple reaction conditions (1-hydroxypyrene and Et3N in THF under purple LED illumination); this reaction did not require chemicals commonly used for hydrodesulfurization, such as hydrosilanes, transition metal catalysts, and/or stoichiometric amounts of metal reagents. Detailed mechanistic studies based on control experiments, spectroscopic measurements, and computational studies revealed that the cleavage of the C(aryl)-S bond and the formation of the C(aryl)-H bond proceeded via the formation of the ion pair between the radical anion of alkyl aryl thioether and Et3N+H, resulting in the generation of a sulfur radical. In addition, the 1-hydroxypyrene catalyst was regenerated via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from Et3N.

Photoinduced Divergent Deaminative Borylation and Hydrodeamination of Primary Aromatic Amines.

We have developed the divergent deaminative borylation and hydrodeamination of primary aromatic amines using bis(pinacolato)diboron. These transformations can be switched by the reaction conditions. Mechanistic and computational studies have suggested that the cleavage of the C-N bond and the formation of C-B bond are unlikely to involve free aryl radical intermediates. However, hydrodeamination is shown to proceed via hydrogen atom transfer between the corresponding aryl radical and an ethereal solvent.

Photoinduced Deaminative Borylation of Unreactive Aromatic Amines Enhanced by CO2.

Herein, direct unreactive C-N borylation of aromatic amines by a photocatalyst was achieved. The C-N borylation of aromatic amines with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin2) proceeded using a pyrene catalyst under light irradiation to afford desired borylated products and aminoborane as a byproduct. The yield of the borylated product improved under a CO2 atmosphere which probably reduced the inhibitory effect of aminoborane. Mechanistic studies suggested that the C-N bond cleavage and C-B bond formation proceeded via a concerted pathway.