Generation of Aryl Radicalsfrom Aryl Halides: Rongalite-PromotedTransition-Metal-Free Arylation

A new and practical method for the generation of aryl radicals from aryl halides is reported. Rongalite as a novel precursor of super electron donors was used to initiate a series of electron-catalyzed reactions under mild conditions. These transition-metal-free radical chain reactions enable the efficient formation of C–C, C–S, and C–P bonds through homolytic aromatic substitution or SRN1 reactions. Moreover, the synthesis of antipsychotic drug Quetiapine was performed on gram scale through the described method. This protocol demonstrated its potential as a promising arylation method in organic synthesis.