Iodobenzene-catalyzed photochemical heteroarylation of alcohols by rupture of inert C–H and C–C bonds

A Minisci-type reaction catalyzed by iodobenzene is disclosed here for the first time. The heteroarylation of unprotected aliphatic alcohols proceeds via alkoxy radical-induced homolytic cleavage of C–H and C–C bonds under photochemical conditions. The use of m-CPBA as the oxidant allows the oxidation of iodobenzene to a hypervalent iodine species, driving the catalytic cycle. The method features mild reaction conditions, broad scope of heteroarenes and alcohols, and scaled up preparations. This approach provides a notable supplement to iodobenzene-catalyzed ionic reactions, and opens up a new avenue for its application in radical chemistry.