C-H Functionalisation by Iron Ligand-to-Metal Charge Transfer in Water

Functionalisation of partially water-soluble C-H precursors through Fe(III)Cl3 Ligand-to-Metal charge transfer catalysis in aqueous solution is achieved under near UV-light irradiation. The light-driven bond-homolysis of the Fe-Cl bond within the iron complex results in the generation of highly reactive chlorine radicals, facilitating hydrogen atom abstraction from a furane-derived starting material. Sugars or cinchonidine derivatives promote the interaction between metal salt and organic substrates. Lowering the reaction temperature to 4°C can modulate the reaction kinetics, resulting in a shorter induction period of the photoreaction.