Halogenation of aromatic hydrocarbons by halide anion oxidation with poly (heptazine imide) photocatalyst

Halocarbons have tremendous significance for the chemical industry. Arylchlorides and arylbromides are typically prepared via Friedel-Crafts reaction, using oxidative halogenation or employing halogen transfer agents, such as N-chloro- and N-bromosuccineimide. Herein, we show that K-PHI, a photocatalyst of the carbon nitride family, can easily photooxidize halide anions (Cl- Br- ) in aqueous media to promote oxidative halogenation of electron rich aromatic compounds. The technique is convenient, safe and gives the haloaromatic products with excellent yields from non-harmful starting reagents in the most sustainable fashion. We show that a solution of NaCl, mimicking seawater, can be used as a reagent for photochlorination.