Photocatalyst-Free, Visible-Light-Mediated C(sp3)-H Arylation of Amides via a Solvent-Caged EDA Complex.

A photocatalyst-free and mild visible light photochemical procedure for C(sp3)-H arylation of amides is described. The reaction proceeds via an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex between an electron-rich arene substrate and electron-poor persulfate oxidant. C(sp3)-H arylation of the amide occurs selectively with the most electron-rich arene of the substrate. Mechanistic studies corroborate the reaction taking place in a solvent cage holding components in a close proximity.