We have developed a photocatalytic reduction of nitroarenes as an efficient, chemoselective
route to biologically important N-phenyl hydroxamic acid scaffolds. Optimal conditions call for 2.5 mol% of a ruthenium
photocatalyst, visible light irradiation, and a dihydropyridine terminal reductant.
Because of the mild nature of the visible light activation, functional groups that
might be sensitive to other non-photochemical reduction methods are easily tolerated.
Key words
electron transfer - heterocycles - hydroxamic acids - photochemistry - reduction