Photocatalytic Synthesis of Diaryl Amides via Direct Coupling of Methyl Arenes and Nitroarenes

A direct and effective method for synthesizing diaryl amides has been developed through the photocatalytic coupling of methyl and nitroarenes. This method employs FeCl3 as a redox-active photocatalyst under mild conditions to enable selective benzylic C-H activation and concurrent nitro group reduction, eliminating the necessity for pre-functionalization. This method exhibits a broad substrate scope, high functional group tolerance, and improved atom economy, offering a sustainable and practical alternative to amide bond formation.