Hydroxide ion as electron source for photochemical Birch-type reduction and photodehalogenation

The photochemical Birch-type reduction of arenes and the photodehalogenation of haloarenes by a hydroxide ion that acted as an electron source occurred in 2-PrOH. The efficiency of these photoreactions was dependent on the nature of the substrate, the concentration of NaOH, and the solvent used. These photoreactions provide an environmentally friendly method for the reduction of aromatic rings and dehalogenation. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.