Oxidative Photochlorination of Electron-Rich Arenes via in situ Bromination

Electron-rich arenes are oxidatively photochlorinated in the presence of catalytic amounts of bromide ions, visible light, and 4CzIPN as organic photoredox catalyst. The substrates are brominated in situ in a first photoredox-catalyzed oxidation step, followed by a photocatalyzed ipso-chlorination, yielding the target compounds in high ortho/para regioselectivity. Dioxygen serves as a green and convenient terminal oxidant. The use of aqueous hydrochloric acid as the chloride source reduces the amount of saline by-products.