Visible-Light-Mediated Nitration of Protected Anilines.

The photocatalytic nitration of protected anilines proceeds with riboflavin tetraacetate as an organic photoredox catalyst. Sodium nitrite serves as the NO2 source in this visible-light-driven room temperature reaction. Various nitroanilines are obtained in moderate to good yields without the addition of acid or stoichiometric oxidation agents. The catalytic cycle is closed by aerial oxygen as the terminal oxidant.