Synthesis of functionalized biphenyls via heterogeneous photocatalysis in versatile microreactors

Blue light mediated C–H arylation of heteroarenes using TiO2as an immobilized photocatalyst in a continuous-flow microreactor

Titanium dioxide was applied as an immobilized photocatalyst in a microstructured falling film reactor for the continuous-flow C-H arylation of heteroarenes with aryldiazonium salts as the starting material. Detailed investigations of the catalyst and a successful long-term run proved its excellent usability for this process. Very good yields up to 99% were achieved with broad substrate scope and were compared with batch synthesis. The transfer to the continuous-flow mode revealed an impressive boost in reactor performance solely resulting from the improved irradiation and contact of the catalyst, substrate and light.