Visible light-promoted C–H functionalization of ethers and electron-deficient arenes

We have developed the visible light mediated C-H arylation of ethers via C-(Sp2)-C-(Sp3) C-H functionalization involving hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) pathway. The reaction requires no photocatalyst, operates at room temperature, is easy to set up, and is scalable to the gram level. Furthermore, the protocol is easily extendable to other electron deficient arenes such as naphthaquinones and benzothiazoles.