Ketone-catalyzed photochemical C(sp3)-H chlorination

Photoexcited aryllcetones catalyze the direct chlorination of C(sp(3)) H groups by N-chlorosuccinimide. Acetophenone is the most effective catalyst for functionalization of unactivated C-H groups while benzophenone provides better yields for benzylic C-H functionalization. Activation of both acetophenone and benzophenone can be achieved by irradiation with a household compact fluorescent lamp. This light-dependent reaction provides a better control of the reaction as compared to the traditional chlorination methods that proceed through a free radical chain propagation mechanism. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.