Photocatalytic C–H Activation and Amination of Arenes with Nonactivated N‑Hydroxyphthalimides Involving Phosphine-Mediated N–O Bond Scission

Herein, we reported a metal-free photoredox/phosphine-catalyzed C–H amination of arenes. This allows for concise synthesis of highly functionalized N-arylphthalimides from readily available N-hydroxyphthalimides directly, without the preparation of activated N-hydroxyphthalimide intermediates. Mechanistic studies reveal that the radical is produced via phosphine-mediated N–O bond scission.