Photocatalytic Generation of 2-Azolyl Radicals: Intermediates for the Azolylation of Arenes and Heteroarenes via C-H Functionalization.

The 2-azolyl radical, generated from 2-bromoazoles via photocatalysis, is a powerful intermediate for the intermolecular arylation of unmodified (hetero)arenes. The reaction is characterized by mild conditions, operational simplicity, tolerance toward functional and sterically demanding groups, broad scope, and anti-Minisci selectivity. A working mechanism is provided, and a low-solubility amine is essential for successful coupling. The utility of the reaction is demonstrated via late-stage functionalization of methyl estrone and application toward other bromoarenes.