Light-Promoted Synthesis of Arylamines from Nitro Compounds and Grignard Reagents

Arylamines constitute a fundamental class of organic compounds critical to pharmaceuticals, dyes, and advanced materials. The direct synthesis of arylamines from nitro compounds demonstrates significant advantages in step economy, cost efficiency, and functional group compatibility. However, conventional methodologies frequently necessitate transition metal catalysts or excessive reducing agents, limiting their practical applicability. Herein, we introduce a highly efficient photochemical protocol for the synthesis of arylamines from readily accessible nitro compounds and Grignard reagents under purple light (390—395 nm) irradiation, eliminating the requirement for transition metal catalysts or external reducing agents. This protocol exhibits exceptional tolerance to sterically hindered substrates and sensitive functional groups. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest the involvement of nitrosoarenes and diarylamine nitrogen radicals as key intermediates in the reaction pathway.