Jian Luo, Jian Zhang
Jan 12, 2016
Citations
2
Influential Citations
430
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Journal
ACS Catalysis
Abstract
We describe carbazolyl dicyanobenzene (CDCB)-based donor–acceptor (D–A) fluorophores as a class of cheap, easily accessible, and efficient metal-free photoredox catalysts for organic synthesis. By changing the number and position of carbazolyl and cyano groups on the center benzene ring, CDCBs with a wide range of photoredox potentials are obtained to effectively drive the energetically demanding C(sp3)–C(sp2) cross-coupling of carboxylic acids and alkyltrifluoroborates with aryl halides via a photoredox/Ni dual catalysis mechanism. This work validates the utility of D–A fluorophores in guiding the rational design of metal-free photoredox catalysts for visible-light-promoted organic synthesis.