Visible-light-induced ligand-free RuCl3 catalyzed C-H phosphorylation in water

Visible-light-induced C-H phosphorylation of para-CArH and heteroarenes was realized by using cost-effective RuCl3 as catalyst. The reaction conditions are green and environmentally friendly, using water as solvent under room temperature and without ligands. A broad range of highly functional organophosphorus compounds were obtained by cross-dehydrogenation-coupling (CDC) reaction. In addition, we also proved that RuCl3 is a photo-catalyst by absorption spectrum and on/off light experiments.