Selective Photoinduced Reduction of Nitroarenes to N-Arylhydroxylamines

Org Lett. 2020 Jun 5;22(11):4339-4343. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c01367. Epub 2020 May 26.

Abstract

We report the selective photoinduced reduction of nitroarenes to N-arylhydroxylamines. The present methodology facilitates this transformation in the absence of catalyst or additives and uses only light and methylhydrazine. This noncatalytic photoinduced transformation proceeds with a broad scope, excellent functional-group tolerance, and high yields. The potential of this protocol reflects on the selective and straightforward conversion of two general antibiotics, azomycin and chloramphenicol, to the bioactive hydroxylamine species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't