We report a useful method for the synthesis of phenols from arylboronic acids with hydrogen peroxide generated in situ by aerobic photooxidation. This reaction uses visible-light irradiation and easily handled 2-chloroanthraquinone as an organocatalyst under mild conditions, that is, an air atmosphere and ambient pressure and temperature. Because of this method’s metal- and base-free conditions, it represents an environmentally benign approach to the synthesis of phenols from arylboronic acids.
Key words
aerobic - boronic acid - phenol - photooxidation - visible light