A g-C3N4/rGO nanocomposite as a highly efficient metal-free photocatalyst for direct C-H arylation under visible light irradiation

Abstract

Visible light mediated photoredox arylations can proceed under very mild conditions and have therefore become attractive. Nowadays, various metal nanomaterials and metal complexes have been developed as photocatalysts for direct arylation of heteroaromatics. These photocatalysts, however, still suffer from corrosion, high cost, aggregation or poor stability. We report the design and fabrication of a g-C3N4/rGO nanocomposite and demonstrate its excellent activity, high apparent quantum efficiency, and recyclability to catalyze the metal free direct arylation of heteroaromatics under visible light at room temperature. Moreover, the g-C3N4/rGO catalyst can be reused more than five times without significant loss of activity, confirming this catalyst's excellent stability. The present strategy to fabricate a metal-free g-C3N4/rGO nanocomposite for direct C-H arylation open a new avenue towards replacing metal-based catalysts in fine organic synthesis.