We have succeeded in the direct functionalization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using alkyl sulfones driven by visible light, and our results have been published in Chemical Science! In this study, we found that the carbon-hydrogen bond of PAHs can be regiospecifically alkylated by visible light irradiation without transition metal catalysts or photoredox catalysts. The detailed reaction mechanism and regiospecificity were elucidated using spectroscopic and computational analyses.

Congratulations to Otsuka, Dr. Yim, and Dr. Koushik!

This research was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Sotome, Prof. Miyasaka (Osaka University), Prof. Okamoto, Prof. Kobori (Kobe University), and Prof. Yokogawa (University of Tokyo).

doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02577F