Photoinduced Acetylation of Anilines under Aqueous and Catalyst-Free Conditions

A green and efficient visible-light induced functionalization of anilines under mild conditions has been reported. Utilizing nontoxic, cost-effective, and water-soluble diacetyl as photosensitizer and acetylating reagent, and water as the solvent, a variety of anilines were converted into the corresponding aryl ketones, iodides, and bromides. With advantages of environmentally friendly conditions, simple operation, broad substrate scope, and functional group tolerance, this reaction represents a valuable method in organic synthesis.

Automated summary

This method involves the green and efficient visible-light induced functionalization of anilines under mild conditions, using non-toxic diacetyl as the photosensitizer and acetylating reagent, and water as the solvent. It provides a valuable approach in organic synthesis with environmentally friendly conditions, simple operation, wide substrate scope, and functional group tolerance.