Harnessing nitroarenes: photo-driven synergistic construction of phosphinic amides via hydrogen transfer and oxygen migration†

A photo-mediated cascade rearrangement of nitroarenes in an electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex generates phosphinic amides without metal or oxidants. Utilizing oxygen atoms from nitro groups, the reaction facilitates P(iii) to P(v) conversion. The method shows broad substrate scope and compatibility with late-stage functionalization, offering potential for pharmaceutical synthesis.