Selective synthesis of azoxybenzenes from nitrobenzenes by the visible light irradiation using flow microreactors

Herein we report a highly selective preparation method of azoxybenzenes from nitrobenzenes by visible-light irradiation. In a batch, this reaction method affords corresponding aniline derivatives or intermediates (nitrosobenzene or phenyl hydroxylamine); however, in flow microreactors, azoxybenzenes are successfully obtained with very high selectivity.